Latest Updates

Prescription Drug Takeback Programs & Substance Abuse Policy

This Policy Brief examines prescription drug takeback programs in the context of substance abuse prevention.  Across America, drug takeback programs have become increasingly popular as policymakers struggle to provide individuals with a secure and convenient way to dispose of unused medications.  To learn more about takeback programs, Carnevale Associates, LLC surveyed a number of programs to better understand their design, costs, and efficacy to support national efforts to reduce the size and scope of the prescription drug epidemic.  Our analysis found that these programs vary substantially in cost and approach.   In addition, we found no evidence that takeback programs affect prescription drug abuse.  We conclude that additional research is needed before incorporating takebacks into any substance abuse prevention plan.

Downlaod the PDF: Prescription Drug Takeback Programs & Substance Abuse Policy

Continue reading Prescription Drug Takeback Programs & Substance Abuse Policy


The Federal Drug Budget Under Sequestration

With the failure of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to reach an agreement, this Policy Brief examines the effects of a $1.2 trillion sequestration (automatic cut) on the federal drug control budget.  Slated for implementation beginning in 2013, Carnevale Associates' analysis finds that the proposed cuts would be much more detrimental to demand reduction programs than to supply reduction programs.  The disproportionate impact on demand reduction programs may impede the Obama administration’s stated aim of implementing the public health approach promoted in its National Drug Control Strategy. 

Download the PDF: The Federal Drug Control Budget Under Sequestration: Prevention Most Affected

Continue reading The Federal Drug Budget Under Sequestration


Leveraging Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs to Reduce Drug Use and its Damaging Consequences

This Policy Brief examines the present state of prescription drug abuse and the potential role of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs or PMPs) in providing real-time information to inform prevention, treatment, and law enforcement policies, programs, and practices.

Download the PDF: Leveraging Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs to Reduce Drug Use and its Damaging Consequences

Continue reading Leveraging Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs to Reduce Drug Use and its Damaging Consequences


The Current Status of the Methamphetamine Epidemic

This Policy Brief examines recent data implying that the methamphetamine epidemic is rebounding after several years of decline.  Exploring the relationship between current trends and existing laws, this brief offers policy solutions for prevention, treatment, and law enforcement.


Continue reading The Current Status of the Methamphetamine Epidemic


Fixing National Drug Control Policy: Principles of an Effective National Drug Policy

This 2008 Policy Brief highlights the principles of an effective national drug control policy, emphasizing the importance of research-based approaches and the need to link strategy and budget. 

The Policy Brief highlights the value of domestic programs--including prevention, treatment, and domestic law enforcement--, concluding that the coming administration must rely on data and research when formulating the drug control strategy.  Such an approach will likely lead to the reallocation of resources from supply reduction to demand reduction initiatives, the identification of performance measures suitable for use with a research-based strategy, and the reestablishment of surveillance systems essential to making the strategy responsive to emerging problems.

Continue reading Fixing National Drug Control Policy: Principles of an Effective National Drug Policy


Sign Up For Our Newsletter


Contact Us

P.O. Box 84085 | Gaithersburg, MD 20883 Phone: 301.977.3600 | Email Us