Office of National Drug Control Policy

In the following viewpoint, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) contends that drug treatment programs have been shown to be highly effective in rehabilitating drug users. Furthermore, the organization claims, drug treatment programs benefit society by reducing the criminal activity and health care costs associated with drug abuse. Established by Congress in 1988, the ONDCP is a federal agency responsible for developing and coordinating the policies, goals, and objectives of the nation’s program for reducing the use of illicit drugs.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What evidence does the ONDCP provide that drug treatment reduces criminal activity?
2. How should the criminal justice system deal with hard-core addicts, according to the organization?
3. What alternatives to prison for first time, nonviolent offenders are...