2010: U.S. drug and alcohol policy, looking back and moving forward

Since the early twentieth century, both moral perspectives and changing perceptions of the disease model of alcoholism and addiction have significantly influenced the formulation of U.S. domestic policy on drugs and alcohol. Some fluctuations have occurred in federal drug policy but overall a prohibitive, punitive approach has been emphasised. Racial and socioeconomic disparities have been exacerbated by the inequities of drug laws. Over the past 50 years, limited progress has been made in challenging and changing these unproductive policies. A great deal of progress has been made in research and treatment, and in the understanding of the process of recovery. For the upcoming generation to move policy in the direction shown to be effective by experienced addiction professionals will entail a wide spectrum of interdependent actions in substance abuse research, education, prevention and treatment, and continued cooperation between many stakeholders.