Readout of White House Drug Policy Director’s Meeting with Congressman Xavier Becerra and Local Veteran Organizations

(Los Angeles, CA) – Today, Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) visited Los Angeles, CA to meet with Congressman Xavier Becerra and various local Veterans organizations (New Directions, People Assisting the Homeless(PATH), Amvets, Disabled American Veterans(DAV), US Vetsand Veterans of Foreign Wars) to discuss the Administration’s commitment to the health and well-being of military families, including support forthe psychological health needs of service members and their families. This ongoing commitment is part of the Administration’s “Joining Forces”initiative, a national effort to mobilize all sectors of society to give our active-duty service members, veterans, and their families the opportunities and support they have earned.

In April, the Obama Administration released the 2012 National Drug Control Strategy, the Obama Administration’s primary blueprint for drug policy in the United States.  The new Strategy is guided by three facts:  addiction is a disease that can be prevented and treated; people with substance use disorders can recover; and innovative new criminal justice reforms can stop the revolving door of drug use, crime, incarceration, release, and re-arrest.

“The Administration strongly supports substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as alternatives to incarceration for veterans and other offenders with drug-use problems,” said Gil Kerlikowske. “We know thatpeople with substance use disorders can recover; and innovative new criminal justice reforms can stop the revolving door of drug use, crime, incarceration, and re-arrest.”

The rate of overall drug use in the United States has declined by roughly 30 percent since 1979. More recently, there has been a nearly 40 percent reduction in current cocaine use and meth use has dropped by half.  To build on this progress and support the public health approach to drug control outlined in the Strategy, the Obama Administration has committed over $10 billion for drug education programs and support for expanding access to drug treatment for people suffering from substance use disorders in FY 2012. 

For more information about the Office of National Drug Control Policy, visit:

http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/ONDCP

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