A new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) finds that the abuse of prescription opioids and synthetic drugs are on the rise globally, while worldwide markets for cocaine, heroin and marijuana have declined or remained stable. The HYPERLINK “http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR2011/WDR2011-ExSum.pdf” World Drug Report 2011 found the U.S. market for cocaine has experienced massive declines in recent years.
Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy, said in a news release, “Today’s report confirms that comprehensive efforts to reduce drug use and its consequences have a tremendous impact on making our communities healthier and safer.”
“Confronting the global drug problem – including the prescription drug abuse epidemic – is a shared responsibility that requires a sustained and comprehensive approach.”
“It is not a job for law enforcement alone. That is why the United States is engaged in an unprecedented effort to emphasize drug prevention and expand access to treatment to supporting enforcement efforts that disrupt drug trafficking.”
Ican believes our treatment intervention programs can help drug offenders released from prison transition back into their communities.