The drug dilemma: manipulating the demand.

Drug abuse in the United States has posed a dilemma during most of this century. Intemperate use of reinforcing drugs is hazardous to health and safety, but strict prohibition fosters an illicit market with criminal effects that may be equally harmful. The crux of the problem is the willingness of millions of people to risk toxicity and arrest to gain psychopharmacological rewards. Cocaine is the present source of most concern. Recommendations for reducing demand and abuse are given, including the implementation of preventive techniques, the investigation of various treatments, the use of modern chemical and electronic technology, and the development of new pharmacological alternatives.