speeches
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker at the Closing Ceremony of Drug Treatment Training by Pengasih at Best Western Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan
03/31/2005
I’m pleased to be here today. I believe that congratulations are first in order. I know it’s not easy to clear your schedule for two weeks to attend training. So, I salute your active participation in this course. It demonstrates a strong personal and professional commitment to addressing the narcotics problem within Pakistan.
Drug abuse is an issue often veiled in denial. Addicts deny the gravity of their problem. Families deny that their son or daughter would ever use drugs. Communities deny or turn a blind eye on drug use on their street corners.
Denial stops people from getting the help they need to rebuild their lives and make positive contributions to society. It must be overcome by talking openly and honestly about the issue, as you all have done. I commend the Pakistani government for creating such a dialogue and seeking new avenues to combat drug abuse.
The U.S. has a long history of counternarcotics cooperation with Pakistan. We having been working together for the last twenty years in the fight against drugs. Through strategic vision and tough “no poppy” policies, Pakistan laudably reached poppy-free status in 2000. However, the country currently faces new challenges.
We recognize that drug trafficking through Pakistan poses serious concerns. The US is providing operational support, commodities, aviation assets and training to Pakistani agencies, such as the Frontier Corps and ANF, to help stop drugs from coming across borders.
We also fund poppy monitoring nationwide and eradication efforts in NWFP and FATA. In Bajaur, Mohmand and Khyber Agencies, we have constructed over 450 kilometers of roads that serve two purposes – first, they allow law enforcement to enter remote areas to eradicate crops, and second, they allow farmers to get legitimate produce to market. In those same areas, we have introduced high value crops as alternatives to poppy, and built 700 small schemes, such as water wells and electrification projects.
The Government of Pakistan has also identified the need for demand reduction activities, which is why we funded this drug treatment training by Pengasih [Pen-GAH-say]. We have also sponsored seminars organized by ANF to raise awareness among district officials, religious leaders, and women.
When you see representatives from three different nations (Malaysia, Pakistan and the U.S.) talking about drug abuse, it becomes obvious that this is a global problem. The fight against drugs requires united international efforts. Drug traffickers do not respect borders, and drug users do not live in a bubble. Their problems become society’s problems as narcotics lead to violent behavior and criminal activity that can threaten the stability and welfare of any nation.
We remain committed to fighting drugs both abroad and in our own country. The United States government has developed a balanced, three-prong strategy of supply reduction, prevention, and treatment.
First, we aim to attack and disrupt the drug market by targeting narcotics producers and traffickers. We support more international supply control efforts than any other nation.
Second, we are conducting broad prevention campaigns targeted at the youth in the U.S. The goal is to stop them from trying drugs when they are most vulnerable. We also support drug testing in schools in order to deter drug use.
Third, we are working to heal America’s drug users. President Bush is committed to expanding access to treatment services and ensuring appropriate and adequate care. The United States currently spends around $3.5 billion a year on drug abuse treatment and research, with an additional $2 billion on prevention. This figure doesn’t include the additional funds spent by state and local governments and private individuals.
We are starting to see the impact of our efforts. Recent surveys in the US reveal a significant decline in drug use by the youth over the last three years. We have seen a 17 percent reduction in overall use of any drug – a decline that we haven't seen in a decade. Also of note, teen use of methamphetamine fell 25 percent, and ecstasy dropped by 60 percent between 2001 and 2004.
Our investment in research and practice has also paid off. We have learned that drug use is a preventable behavior that can be stopped. Through a regimen of effective treatment, addicts can recover from this disease and lead a productive life.
We have also discovered that medical detoxification is only the first stage of treatment. Counseling and other behavioral therapies are critical for effective rehabilitation. They help addicts build skills to resist drug use and build relationships to function in the family and community.
Engaging friends and family in treatment is key. They too suffer when a loved one uses drugs. Understanding the reasons behind addiction and addressing the problem together can help facilitate recovery.
As you have come to know, drug addicts face a complex disorder that requires complex solutions. There is no one formula for treatment. To reiterate something mentioned in this course, drug addicts are human beings, not machines. Like each of us, they have different social, psychological and physical needs. Tailoring rehabilitation programs to those individual needs helps increase the chances of success.
So, you have a rather demanding job ahead of you. You are the ones who will stare addiction in the face. You will be in the position to help addicts identify their disease and get them on the path to recovery. Given your engagement in this course, I believe you’re up to the challenge.
On behalf of the US government, I’d like to thank Pengasih [Pen-GAH-say] for sharing their experience in this field, and ANF for helping to organize this event. After two weeks of training, I’m sure you’re ready to get back to your jobs and daily routines. I hope that you’ll leave inspired to apply the knowledge you’ve gained and help Pakistan become a drug-free society.