CADCA Statement On Release Of 2013 World Drug Report

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Chairman and CEO Gen. Arthur T. Dean released the following statement in response to the 2013 World Drug Report, released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):

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"The 2013 World Drug Report highlighted an alarming trend in our nation and around the world – the increase in use of new psychoactive substances (NPS), drugs with street names such as 'spice' and 'bath salts.' It's disappointing but not surprising that the number of NPS reported by Member States to UNODC rose from 166 at the end of 2009 to 251 by mid-2012, an increase of more than 50 percent.

"Over the past few years, we've heard from CADCA members about the negative impact these drugs are having in communities across the United States. Many young people are using these drugs under the mistaken belief that because they are not illegal and sold in stores they must be safe. However, synthetic marijuana, also referred to as 'spice' or 'K2,' and 'bath salts' have proven to be anything but – leading to strong hallucinations, violent behavior and even suicides. 

"The report also indicated that prescription drug abuse is not only a major problem in the U.S. but also globally.

"As with any emerging drug trend, our most important tool is effective comprehensive prevention. Thankfully, there are thousands of community anti-drug coalitions throughout the country and abroad implementing evidence-based substance abuse prevention strategies at the community level.  These coalitions are often the first to detect new drug problems and using local data craft public health and safety strategies to improve their environment.

"The report also noted that Africa is emerging as a target for drug trafficking and illicit drug production. CADCA has recently increased its work in that continent, working with local non-governmental organizations in Ghana, Senegal, Cape Verde, Kenya and South Africa to build comprehensive community coalitions to address local problems associated with drug use and crime."

CADCA has been training and building community anti-drug coalitions internationally since 2004. Through a grant with the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, CADCA works in 16 countries throughout Latin America, Africa and Central and Southeast Asia. CADCA also recently launched pilot projects in Italy and Iraq. In addition, CADCA has consultative status with the United Nations and is a member of the Vienna NGO Committee.

CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America), is the national member-based organization representing coalitions working to make America's communities safe, healthy and drug-free. CADCA's mission is to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally. To learn more about CADCA, visit www.cadca.org.

Media Contact: Natalia Martinez Duncan
703-706-0560, Ext. 256

SOURCE Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)