Recently, we have held a number of hearings on topics that impact the supply of drugs in our nation. Our hearings have ranged from international narco-terrorism developments in Colombia, to interdiction operations and resource needs across our southwest border. Last week, we held an important and insightful hearing on what is being done through our now federally-funded media campaign to reduce the demand for drugs. Today, we will examine another important component of our national efforts to reduce the demand for drugs. We will focus on drug treatment and funding options that might be affordable and make a difference in the drug war.
Treatment generally receives less coverage in the press, and is often misunderstood.
We will examine carefully how treatment might be used to reduce drug-related deaths and destruction. Today, we will hear more about the positive consequences of successfully treating drug abuse. We are especially grateful to our witness who has come forward to tell us of about her personal experiences. Her testimony will illustrate how some persons with alcohol and illicit drug addictions have broken those terrible chains and regained control of their lives. We all agree that the number of such positive outcomes from addiction should be increased to the greatest extent possible.