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Critical Analysis of Claims Made by the Office of National Drug Control Policy

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Published in Lies Damned Lies And Drug War Statistics Second Edition: A Critical Analysis Of Claims Made By The Office Of National Drug Control Policy

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Lies, Damned Lies, and Drug War Statistics, Second Edition: A Critical Analysis of Claims Made by the Office of National Drug Control Policy

by Matthew B. Robinson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	50359 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	409 pages

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is the lead federal agency responsible for developing and implementing the nation's drug policy. ONDCP's mission is to "lead and coordinate the nation's drug control efforts, reduce drug use and its consequences, and enhance public health and safety." ONDCP's website makes a number of claims about the effectiveness of its drug policies, including:

Drug use has declined since ONDCP was created in 1988.
ONDCP's drug prevention programs have helped to reduce drug use among youth.
ONDCP's drug treatment programs have helped to reduce drug use and crime.
ONDCP's drug law enforcement efforts have helped to reduce the availability of drugs.

However, a closer examination of the data shows that these claims are not supported by the evidence. In fact, some of the data suggests that ONDCP's drug policies may actually be making the drug problem worse.

Drug Use Has Not Declined Since ONDCP Was Created

ONDCP claims that drug use has declined since it was created in 1988. However, the data shows that drug use has actually increased since then. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the percentage of Americans who used illicit drugs in the past year has increased from 13.6% in 1988 to 18.2% in 2017.

The increase in drug use has been particularly pronounced among young people. The percentage of 12th graders who used illicit drugs in the past year has increased from 11.8% in 1988 to 23.2% in 2017. The increase in drug use among young people is particularly concerning because it is associated with a number of negative consequences, including increased risk of addiction, dropping out of school, and criminal activity.

ONDCP's Drug Prevention Programs Have Not Been Effective

ONDCP claims that its drug prevention programs have helped to reduce drug use among youth. However, the data shows that these programs have not been effective. In fact, some studies have shown that these programs may actually increase drug use.

A study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics found that the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, which is one of ONDCP's flagship drug prevention programs, had no effect on reducing drug use among youth. Another study published in the journal Addiction found that DARE actually increased the risk of drug use among youth.

These studies suggest that ONDCP's drug prevention programs are not effective in reducing drug use among youth. In fact, these programs may actually be making the drug problem worse.

ONDCP's Drug Treatment Programs Have Not Been Effective

ONDCP claims that its drug treatment programs have helped to reduce drug use and crime. However, the data shows that these programs have not been effective. In fact, some studies have shown that these programs may actually increase drug use and crime.

A study published in the journal The Lancet found that drug treatment programs had no effect on reducing drug use or crime. Another study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that drug treatment programs actually increased the risk of drug use and crime.

These studies suggest that ONDCP's drug treatment programs are not effective in reducing drug use or crime. In fact, these programs may actually be making the drug problem worse.

ONDCP's Drug Law Enforcement Efforts Have Not Been Effective

ONDCP claims that its drug law enforcement efforts have helped to reduce the availability of drugs. However, the data shows that these efforts have not been effective. In fact, the availability of drugs has actually increased since ONDCP was created.

According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, the price of cocaine has declined by 80% since 1981. The price of heroin has declined by 60% since 1981. The price of methamp

Lies, Damned Lies, and Drug War Statistics, Second Edition: A Critical Analysis of Claims Made by the Office of National Drug Control Policy

by Matthew B. Robinson

4.6 out of 5