The National Drug Control Strategy - The Cost Of Drug Abuse, Origins Of The National Strategy, The Federal Drug Budget, Highlights Of The Current Strategy

Drug dependence is a chronic, relapsing disorder that exacts an enormous cost on individuals, families, businesses, communities, and nations. Addicted individuals frequently engage in self-destructive and criminal behavior. Treatment can help them end dependence on addictive drugs. Treatment programs also reduce the consequences of addiction on the rest of society. Providing treatment for America's chronic drug users is both compassionate public policy and a sound investment.

—National Drug Control Strategy, 2001, Office of National Drug Control Policy