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A component of the Executive Office of the U.S. President, the Office of National Drug Control Policy(ONDCP) was initially created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. The policy goal at that time was for a drug-free America. The ONDCP was assigned the tasks of setting priorities, implementing a national strategy and certifying the federal budget for drug control. The law sought to develop a comprehensive, research-based strategy aimed at the reduction of drug abuse, trafficking and the resulting consequences of such actions. It specifically targeted the growing problem of drug abuse among young people. Some of the issues arising from drug abuse by the young, include manufacturing, trafficking, drug-related crimes and drug-related health issues. Each year it is the responsibility of ONDCP to officially present the National Drug Control Strategy. This in-depth white paper carefully spells out the direction to be taken by the nation in its efforts to stem the tide of illicit drug abuse in American communities. Included in this annual Strategy is a comprehensive budget which, a) identifies any budgetary changes from the previous year, b) identifies and fully explains funding highlights, and c) makes a formal funding request for specific areas of concern. Past and present Strategy papers, in their entirety, are made readily available to the public through the ONDCP website. This website also offers a wealth of drug related information and education to all who are interested. Some of the most compelling accounts relate to drug endangered children. These are children under the age of 18 who live in or are exposed to an environment "where drugs, including pharmaceuticals, are illegally used, possessed, trafficked, diverted, and/or manufactured and, as a result of that environment: the child experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; the child experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, medical, educational, emotional, or physical harm, including harm resulting or possibly resulting from neglect; or the child is forced to participate in illegal or sexual activity in exchange for drugs or in exchange for money likely to be used to purchase drugs.” Federal Interagency Task Force for Drug Endangered Children (2010). In an ongoing effort to protect the public, John Horton, a former ONDCP aide founded LegitScript in May 2007. After five years working for the “Drug Czar,” John Horton felt the compelling need to assist people in buying safe and genuine prescription medication on the Internet. This sort of proactive involvement goes a long way toward stemming the tide of illicit drug abuse in American communities. ? Author's Biography: John Horton is President and Founder of LegitScript, and a former aide in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). After five years working for the “Drug Czar,” John Horton founded LegitScript with the intent of helping people be sure that they are buying safe and genuine prescription medication on the Internet. LegitScript, is an internet enforcement service group, that has been successfully investigating sites to determine whether or not such sites are in compliance with the law and accepted standards of medical and pharmacy practice ethics.
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National Drug Control Policy, Anti-Drug Abuse Act,
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