Drug abuse is rapidly increasing in the United States and now afflicts urban, suburban, and rural areas of the Nation.

Drug abuse seriously impairs individual, as well as societal, health and well-being.

Drug abuse, especially heroin addiction, substantially contributes to crime.

The adverse impact of drug abuse inflicts increasing pain and hardship on individuals, families, and communities and undermines our institutions.

Too little is known about drug abuse, especially the causes, and ways to treat and prevent drug abuse.

The success of Federal drug abuse programs and activities requires a recognition that education, treatment, rehabilitation, research, training, and law enforcement efforts are interrelated.