The United States has been dealing with drug and addiction problems for decades. The abuse of drugs in adolescents is increasing along with the incarcerations for drug related problems. Meanwhile, expensive and ineffective programs are still in use. Drug problems can be reduced at lower cost if successful strategies are adopted. For starters, law enforcement resources should be focused on the most dangerous and violent criminals. Far too often, low-level, nonviolent, drug-using offenders are convicted, thus wasting the time of the courts and filling the prisons. Offenders with irrefutable drug problems need access to treatment like any other health service. Treatment should not be defined to a specific matter, but a broad range of physical
