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Office of National Drug Control Policy

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The President’s FY 2014 Budget: Supporting A 21st Century Drug Policy

To reduce the significant burden of our Nation’s drug problem on our people and our economy, the President’s Budget supports a 21st century approach to drug policy that acknowledges drug use is a public health issue, not just a criminal justice one.
April 10, 2013 at 1:49 PM ET by Rafael Lemaitre

Director Kerlikowske Joins Secretary Napolitano on Southwest Border

This afternoon, Director Kerlikowske joined Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano in Tucson, Arizona. They inspected border security operations at the Southwest border, met with state and local stakeholders, and highlighted the significant progress achieved at disrupting illegal drug trafficking and improving operations along the border.
April 5, 2013 at 5:08 PM ET by Cameron Hardesty

Guest Post: Dr. Christian Thurstone, ONDCP Advocate for Action

Dr. Christian Thurstone is ONDCP's featured Advocate for Action working through research to promote evidence-based drug prevention.
April 4, 2013 at 1:01 PM ET by Dr. Christian Thurstone, ONDCP Advocate for Action

Cross Post: Celebrate National Public Health Week April 1-7

Join ONDCP and the American Public Health Association in celebrating National Public Health Week, April 1-7.
April 1, 2013 at 1:29 PM ET by Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association

National Drug Policy Director Meets with Newtown Group

National Drug Policy Director, R. Gil Kerlikowske, reflects on his recent trip to Newtown, where he met with a drug free communities coalition dedicated to reducing substance abuse.
March 29, 2013 at 3:44 PM ET by R. Gil Kerlikowske

Good Samaritan Overdose Response Laws: Lessons Learned from Washington State

March 29, 2013 at 9:55 AM ET by Dr. Caleb Banta-Green

School Resource Officers

In light of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, families and local communities nationwide raised questions about the safety and security of our children. Of course, the vast majority of schools are secure – and our children are safe at school. However, the time is ripe to reassess ways to improve the overall school climate and look beyond simply having more police officers in schools.
March 28, 2013 at 10:47 AM ET by Director Gil Kerlikowske

Guest Post: Michael Banyard’s Story, Part 2.

In June 2012, ONDCP Director Kerlikowske gave remarks at the Betty Ford Center. In the audience were two special guests—Michael Banyard and Federal District Court Judge Spencer Letts. In his remarks, Director Kerlikowske mentioned Banyard’s inspirational story, which Banyard has now shared--in his own words-- with the ONDCP blog. Part 2.
March 13, 2013 at 9:43 AM ET by Michael Banyard, Founder, Each1Reach1Teach1.org

Guest Post: Our Goal: Keeping Young People Away from Drug Hot Spots

Roxanna De Soto is ONDCP's featured Advocate for Action working with the HIDTA program to educate high-risk youth and promote healthy lifestyles.
February 27, 2013 at 10:54 AM ET by Roxanna De Soto, ONDCP Advocate for Action

What Drug Policy Reform Looks Like

This week, the Obama Administration announced a major milestone in drug policy reform that builds on our record of treating drug use as a public health, not just a criminal justice issue.
February 25, 2013 at 12:30 PM ET by Michael Botticelli, Deputy Director, ONDCP

Debunked: Claim that Young People Find it Easier to get Marijuana than Alcohol

The independent, non-partisan fact-checkers at Politifact have tackled another claim frequently made in today’s debate about drug policy.
February 22, 2013 at 2:40 PM ET by Rafael Lemaitre

Toward a Smarter Drug Policy

A joint blog post, co-authored by Director Kerlikowske and Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO, NAACP, on the path toward smarter drug policy for America.
February 14, 2013 at 11:14 AM ET by R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director, ONDCP and Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO, NAACP

Guest Post: Helping Youth and Turning Lives Around through Education

Al Brandel is ONDCP's featured Advocate for Action Working to foster international drug-prevention partnerships.
February 13, 2013 at 12:46 PM ET by Al Brandel, ONDCP Advocate for Action

Are Drugs Today Really Cheaper, Purer, and More Available Than Ever?

You’ve probably heard this claim: Despite decades of effort, we’ve failed to make any significant progress in reducing drug use in this country. Some critics go so far as to say that “illegal drugs are cheaper, purer, and more available today” than ever before. This is a compelling argument and a powerful sound bite, to be sure. There’s just one problem: It’s not true.
February 12, 2013 at 1:41 PM ET by Rafael Lemaitre

Watch Dr. Nora Volkow Explain How Neuroscience Shapes Drug Policy

Video: The Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse describes the scientific foundation for the President's National Drug Control Policy.
February 11, 2013 at 4:01 PM ET by Cameron Hardesty

Drug Laws: Why Do We Have them, and Do They Work?

It’s a question often raised in today’s heated discussion about the efficacy of drug policy in America: Do regulations outlawing certain drugs actually work?
February 5, 2013 at 3:39 PM ET by Rafael Lemaitre

Guest Post: Michael Banyard’s Story, Part 1.

In June 2012, ONDCP Director Kerlikowske gave remarks at the Betty Ford Center. In the audience were two special guests—Michael Banyard and Federal District Court Judge Spencer Letts. In his remarks, Director Kerlikowske mentioned Banyard’s inspirational story, which Banyard has now shared--in his own words-- with the ONDCP blog. Part 1.
January 31, 2013 at 12:50 PM ET by Michael Banyard, Founder, Each1Reach1Teach1.org

Transportation Safety Leader Prioritizes Drugged Driving Prevention

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that substance impaired driving is an advocacy priority for 2013.
January 30, 2013 at 2:28 PM ET by

Does Drug Treatment Work?

Does drug treatment work? Can substance use disorders be successfully treated? Read what the National Institute on Drug Abuse has to say on treatment, addiction, and relapse.
January 30, 2013 at 10:30 AM ET by

Hundreds Gathered in Washington, D.C., for 2012 HIDTA Conference

More than 500 leaders from the law enforcement, prevention, and treatment communities gathered in Washington, D.C., last month for the 2012 National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Conference.
January 25, 2013 at 9:43 AM ET by Jaime Vega

ONDCP Leaders in Baltimore on National Day of Service

On Saturday, Jan. 19, ONDCP leadership and staff answered President Obama's call to serve on the National Day of Service. Read more.
January 22, 2013 at 1:42 PM ET by Cameron Hardesty

Director Kerlikowske to Participate in National Day of Service in Baltimore

Read about the National Day of Service project ONDCP leadership and staff are participating in this Saturday, January 19.
January 17, 2013 at 3:01 PM ET by Cameron Hardesty

New Data, Online Resources on Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic cathinones—better known as “bath salts”—made international headlines in 2012. The National Institute on Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have made new information about these drugs available to the public.
January 15, 2013 at 3:05 PM ET by Cameron Hardesty

Guest Post: Wake up and Smell the Recovery

Devin Fox has been selected as a 2013 ONDCP Advocate for Action for his efforts to empower young people in recovery. Read Devin’s story of recovery, advocacy, and empowerment—in his own words.
January 8, 2013 at 10:57 AM ET by Devin Fox, ONDCP Advocate for Action

Find a Sober New Year’s Eve Celebration Near You

The Holiday season is a time for celebrating with family and friends, but these celebrations often include alcohol. Fortunately, many recovery organizations, including Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery, host sober New Year’s Eve celebrations. Click through to see a national list and find the right gathering for you.
December 27, 2012 at 3:23 PM ET by Matt Rainson, Presidential Management Fellow, ONDCP Office of Demand Reduction

Celebrating the Holidays with Recovering Family Members and Friends

December 21, 2012 at 5:49 PM ET by Peter Gaumond, Chief, ONDCP Recovery Branch

Largest Survey of Youth Drug Use Released Today

December 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM ET by ONDCP Staff

Drunk and Drugged Driving: Not an Acceptable Part of Life

Debbie Hersman, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board,shares a timely message about the deadly toll drunk and drugged driving take on America, and what can be done to change it.
December 18, 2012 at 6:20 PM ET by Debbie Hersman, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board

Independent Fact-Checkers Report President Obama Kept Promise to Send Non-violent Drug Offenders to Rehab, Not Prison

December 12, 2012 at 5:56 PM ET by Cameron Hardesty

What I Am Thankful for this Holiday Season

A moving guest post from a U.S. Coast Guard Officer in recovery. Excerpt: "I don’t recall the moment when I crossed the line into addiction. I only know that alcohol eventually became the central focus of my life. Sitting in jail, I was dazed by the night’s events. Would things get better? Could I change?"
December 12, 2012 at 2:17 PM ET by CWO3 Terry R., U.S. Coast Guard