However, the direction that the federal drug policy has recently taken has been stricter drug law enforcement and interdiction. There is little evidence of increased emphasis on public health interventions. We must continue to speak out to our leaders about the need for dramatic drug policy reform. Unfortunately, it is apparent that significant changes will be slow. Medicalisation' of addictions as opposed to the 'criminal isation' of addicts is needed.
Drug abuse is a highly prevalent though often undetected condition.
This chronic condition and its sequence are not always recognised and treated by medical practitioners, clinics and hospitals. We must put an end to the denial by the health care system in addressing this condition. The health care system should accept a mandate of taking on substance abuse and addiction as primarily a medical problem. American society has a tertiary care system for addictions, which provides specialised outpatient chemotherapy and detoxification and rehabilitation. Primary care physicians are minimally involved in the treatment of addictions.