At the beginning of my Administration there were over a half million heroin
addicts in the United States. Our continued emphasis on reducing the supply
of heroin, as well as providing treatment and rehabilitation to its
victims, has reduced the heroin addict population, reduced the number of
heroin overdose deaths by 80%, and reduced the number of heroin related
injuries by 50%. We have also seen and encouraged a national movement of
parents and citizens committed to reversing the very serious and disturbing
trends of adolescent drug abuse.
Drug abuse in many forms will continue to detract, however, from the
quality of life of many Americans. To prevent that, I see four great
challenges in the years ahead. First, we must deal aggressively with the
supplies of illegal drugs at their source, through joint crop destruction
programs with foreign nations and increased law enforcement and border
interdiction. Second, we must look to citizens and parents across the
country to help educate the increasing numbers of American youth who are
experimenting with drugs to the dangers of drug abuse. Education is a key
factor in reducing drug abuse. Third, we must focus our efforts on drug and
alcohol abuse in the workplace for not only does this abuse contribute to
low productivity but it also destroys the satisfaction and sense of purpose
all Americans can gain from the work experience. Fourth, we need a change
in attitude, from an attitude which condones the casual use of drugs to one
that recognizes the appropriate use of drugs for medical purposes and
condemns the inappropriate and harmful abuse of drugs. I hope the Congress
and the new Administration will take action to meet each of these
challenges.