...end the war on drugs and declare war on addiction. We must treat this disease for what it is, a health crisis.

The War on Drugs has failed: addiction kills 350 Americans a day, and costs the US $400 billion a year. We must shift resources now spent on this unwinnable war to more effective strategies that focus on preventing drug use and making treatment available to everyone who needs it. This year, the Federal government will spend $15 billion on interdiction, prosecution, and incarceration. We should spend that money on research and education—an approach like the one that has brought great success in the War on Cancer. Mr. President, we implore you to speak the truth about a disease that afflicts 20 million Americans, a disease whose stigma forces many to suffer in secret and without the support they need. Please help end the stigma by making this disease a priority for your administration.