Policy and Research
The Obama Administration's approach to the drug problem is borne out of the recognition that drug use is a major public health threat, and that drug addiction is a preventable and treatable disease. Whether struggling with an addiction, worrying about a loved one's substance abuse, or being a victim of drug-related crime, millions of people in this country live with the devastating consequences of illicit drug use.
The Obama Administration is committed to using science and research to inform policy decisions. The National Institutes of Health - through the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – is a key component of Administration efforts to guide and develop drug policies. NIDA funds more than 85 percent of the world’s research on drug abuse, which includes studies conducted not only across the United States at major universities, but also international research programs designed to integrate the latest research from around the world to develop new methods of monitoring drug problems, evaluating treatments, and developing medications.
National Drug Control Strategy
The President’s inaugural National Drug Control Strategy, released in May 2010, is a marked departure from previous approaches to drug policy. The Strategy focuses on both the public health and public safety aspects of drug use and addiction. It focuses on addiction as a disease and on the importance of preventing drug use, as well as providing treatment to those who need it, including those who are involved in the criminal justice system. For the first time, it also emphasizes support for millions of individuals who are in recovery from drug addiction.
This 2010 Strategy continues to serve as the Administration's blueprint to reduce drug use and its associated consequences in the United States. The actions enumerated in the 2011 Strategy build on the 2010 Strategy and on several major drug policy milestones achieved over the last year. Read more about the strategy
Supplemental Strategies
To complement the National Drug Control Strategy, several supplemental strategies and action plans outline the details of how ONDCP is working to foster safe individuals and healthy communities, including an action plan to address the prescription drug epidemic, strategies for the Southwest border and Northern border, and activities related to transnational organized crime. Read more about the supplemental strategies
State and Local Information
View this map for information on what’s happening in your state, including finding out about prescription drug and drugged driving activities, and finding regional and community grantees. View the map.
ONDCP Research and Data
ONDCP’s policies and programs are driven by research and data. Learn more about the Agency's research and data.
