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Anti-drug spending: Where should the money go?
Federal budget keeps more funds in law enforcement
February 25, 1997
Web posted at: 12:30 p.m. EST
From Correspondent Anthony Collings
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Clinton announced a new anti-drug strategy that increases the government's emphasis on preventing drug use among young people. Recovering addict Lawrence Jordan hopes the strategy works. Now in his 40s, Jordan, like many, started early in life.
"I finally became addicted to drugs at the age of 17," he said. "There was an initial time when I used drugs, but that's when I realized that I was addicted."
The administration is asking Congress for $16 billion to fight drugs, up 5 percent from last year. The only major new program is $175 million for anti-drug public service ads aimed at young people.
Overall, the proportion of the federal government's anti-drug budget set aside for law enforcement is 66 percent, down 1 percent from last year. Prevention and treatment would be 34 percent, a 1 percent increase.
But that's not enough, argues Mathea Falco of Drug Strategies, a non-profit research group.
She complains that drug prevention efforts are being short-changed. 
(265K/12 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)
Meanwhile, other critics -- including Sen. Orrin Hatch,
R-Utah -- would prefer more spending on law enforcement to keep drugs out of the country. (203K/10 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)
The president's strategy notes that drug use is down overall, but going up among young people. Among 12- to 17-year-olds, marijuana use jumped 37 percent in 1995, the government says.
"The number of young people using drugs is increasing while drug usage in America is generally going down," said Attorney General Janet Reno. "It's important that we focus on our young people."
People like Jordan, who know what it's like to be a drug addict, hope the government can make a difference.
"They need to get the message all across the board ... not deal with treatment one minute and prevention the next time," Jordan said.
Related stories:
- AllPolitics: Fighting Illegal Drugs - February 25, 1997
- Impact of school anti-drug programs questioned - February 25, 1997
- 330 pounds of cocaine found on Florida beaches - January 22, 1997
- Law enforcement officials fear marijuana law fallout - November 16, 1996
- Home drug test for teens sparks debate - October 5, 1996
- Schools ask parents to help fight drug use - September 19, 1996
- New drug plan targets youth, crime - April 29, 1996
- U.S. wants cooperation in war on drugs - March 1, 1996
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