Is Your Child OK?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conducted a national survey that indicated “that some children are already abusing drugs at age 12 or 13, which likely means that some begin even earlier.  Early abuse often includes such substances as tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, and prescription drugs such as sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medicines. If drug abuse persists into later adolescence, abusers typically become more heavily involved with marijuana and then advance to other drugs, while continuing their abuse of tobacco and alcohol. Studies have also shown that abuse of drugs in late childhood and early adolescence is associated with greater drug involvement. It is important to note that most youth, however, do not progress to abusing other drugs.” ¹

What Should You Look For? ²

REMINDER: Your child could exhibit some of the signs or symptoms outlined in this posting.  This does not mean your child is experimenting with drugs. What it means – is that something in your child’s day-to-day activities is affecting their behavior or physical appearance.  This something may need your intervention when you notice some of the signs and symptoms below.

·     Negative changes in school work; missing school or declining grades.

·     Increase secrecy about possessions or activities.

·     Use of incense, room deodorant or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors.

·     Subtle changes in conversations with friends, e.g., more secretive, using “coded” language.

·     Change in clothing choices – new fascination with cloths that highlight drug use

·     Increase in borrowing money.

·     Evidence of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, rolling papers.

·     Evidence of inhaling products and accessories, such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, paper bags and rags, common household products.

·     Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.

·     New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover smell of alcohol.

·     Missing prescription drugs – especially narcotics and mood stabilizers.

What Can You Do? ²

The first step is not to panic or start accusing your child of using cigarettes, alcohol, or illicit drugs. The following steps below will help you understand your concerns, how to address those concerns with your child and how to get appropriate treatment, if warranted, for your child.

·    Do your homework.

o    The National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) has free pamphlets that can walk you through how to approach your child.  The number is 1-800-788-2800. Also, visit PARENTS. The Anti-Drug (http://www.theantidrug.com/) web site or similar sites on the Internet.  Those sites offer support and advice on how to address drug abuse among children adolescence.

o     If you feel that you cannot handle the problem, then get help from school counselors, employee assistance programs, family doctors, nurses, faith leaders, community health centers, prevention and treatment specialist, or local community anti-drug coalitions.

·    Talk to your child. Tell your child that:

o    You LOVE him/her, and you are worried that he/she might be using drugs or alcohol.

o    You KNOW that drugs may seem like the thing to do, but doing drugs can have serious consequences.

o    It makes you FEEL worried and concerned about him/her when he/she does drugs.

o    You are there to LISTEN to him/her.

o    You WANT him/her to be a part of the solution.

o    You tell him/her what you WILL do to help him/her.

o    Know that you will have this discussion many, many times. Talking to your kid about drugs and alcohol is not a one-time event.

·    Get professional help when you need it most.

o    Call Toll Free: 1-800-662-HELP.

o    Visit http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/ for local treatment centers.

o    Talk to your local doctor.

o    Contact your local base ADAPT or Drug Prevention Office.

Parents are the Most Important Influence in a Child's Life

“Research shows that parents are central to preventing teen drug use. In fact, kids themselves say that losing their parents’ trust and respect are the most important reasons not to use drugs.  As a parent, your actions matter. When you suspect, or know, that your child has been drinking or using drugs, take action to stop it as soon as you can.  It may be the most important step you ever take.” ³

¹ Preventing Drug Use among Children and Adolescents, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, October 2003, Pg. 10.

² Suspect Your Teen Is Using Drugs or Drinking (brochure), White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Sponsored by National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign,   http://www.theantidrug.com/.

³ Suspect Your Teen Is Using Drugs or Drinking (brochure), column 14, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Sponsored by National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign,   http://www.theantidrug.com/.

Drug Alert Watch - Purple Drank

  The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a "Drug Alert Watch" to law enforcement and public health officials regarding the increase in the abuse of cough syrup. The DOJ in their drug alert stated, " Law enforcement and treatment provides in Huston and San Antonio (TX), Alabama, and other areas of the southern United States, are reporting that abuse of a readily available prescription-strength cough syrup containing promethazine (an antihistamine antiemetic) and codeine (a prescription opioid) appears to be increasing.  This cough syrup is the main ingredient in a drink mixture commonly known as Purple Drank.  Effects of Purple Drank are consistent with the abuse characteristic of other opioids and results in a sedative and woozy or swooning euphoria.  The narcotic drink mixture is highly addictive and has contributed to overdose deaths ¹

Can I use “Purple Drank” in the Air Force?

No, producing and drinking the mixture called “Purple Drank” is a wrongful use of a drug prescription (AFI 44-120, Attachment 1).

Can I use "Promethazine-Codeine Cough Syrup" in the Air Force?

Yes, only when a military member or civilian employee with a medical diagnosis that is being treated by using cough syrup that contains promethazine-codeine.  The drug is typically used to treat allergies, bronchitis, the common cold, influenza, and sinusitis.

If a military member is using cough syrup that contains promethazine-codeine, then the member is required to have a current prescription on file with their home station medical clinic.  Failure to have a current prescription when using  prescription cough medicines is consider abusing the drug and if the member tested positive for the drug, the member can be prosecuted under the UCMJ. Furthermore, if a member has not report the use of the drug and the member tested positive, then the member is consider to have illegally used the drug until the member can provide documentation that proves the member has a legitimate current prescription for treatment of their medical condition.  In addition, the military member would not be allowed to participate for pay and points until the case has been processed.

A civilian employee is not required to have a current prescription on file.  However, a civilian employee using cough syrup that contains promethazine-codeine without a current prescription can be discipline or discharged for the illicit use of a controlled substance. If an employee’s drug test is positive.  The employee would be contacted by the Medical Review Officer (MRO).  The MRO will request documentation, from the employee, that shows the employee had a current prescription.  If the prescription is not current or the employee had no legitimate reason to use the prescription cough medicine, then the employee could be disciplined or discharged from employment.

Specifications on “Purple Drank”:

Description: See figure 1

Figure 1

 

² Common Effects: Dry month, drowsiness, listlessness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nightmares, dizziness, ringing in ears, blurred or double vision, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, restlessness, hyperactivity, abnormal happy mood, stuffy nose, itching, uncontrollable shaking of the body, tongue sticking out, hallucinations, difficulty breathing or swallowing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, seizures.

Packaging: No standard packaging. “Purple Drank” is a liquid mixture that contains cough medicine with promethazine-codeine, lemon-lime soda, fruit juice, sport drinks or alcohol, and assorted hard candies. The mixture is usually purple in color. The mixture can be mixed in any type of container.

Can be bought at: Most retail pharmacies that carry over-the-counter or prescription cough medicines.  Also, in medicine cabinets of friends, relatives and family members.

² Common Names: Purple Drank, Sizzurp, Lean, Syrup, Drank, Barre, Purple Jelly, Texas Tea, Oil, Player Potion.

Users: Primarily teens and young adults in communities that are in the southern part of the United States especially in Texas, Alabama and Florida.

³ Cost:   $0 - $50 depending on the availability of the cough medicine (medicine cabinets, over-the-counter or prescription purchases, friends) and the ingredients needed to produce the “Purple Drank” mixture.

¹Drug Alert Watch, U.S. Department of Justice, SENTRY Watch, http://www.justice.gov/ndic/sentry/, EWS Report 000011, 19 May 2011.

² National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Drugs and Supplements, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/, 1 January 2011

³ Drug Intelligence Brief, OPANA Abuse, DEA Philadelphia Division Intelligence Program, May 2011.

Drug Alert Watch - Oxymorphone



States Reporting Oxymorphone-Related Dealths Since January 2008

   The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a "Drug Alert Watch" to law enforcement and public health officials regarding the increase in the abuse of oxymorphone. The DOJ in their drug alert stated, " Law enforcement and public health officials throughout the country are reporting that oxymorphone abuse is increasing. Oxymorphone is most commonly known by the brand name Opana®. The deathsRof at least nine Louisville area residents between January and April 2011 have been linked to polydrug abuse of oxymorphone in combination with alprazolam and/or alcohol; more oxymorphone-related deaths are expected to be confirmed as toxicology testing is completed on other decedents. Since January 2008, oxymorphone-related deaths also have been reported in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington (see map). Additionally, in March 2009, Newport (TN) law enforcement authorities reported that oxymorphone resulted in five fatal overdoses within a 3-month period.” ¹

Can I use "oxymorphone" in the Air Force?

Yes, only when a military member or civilian employee with a medical diagnosis that is being treated by using oxymorphone.  The drug is typically used to reduce moderate or severe pain in patients.

If a military member is using oxymorphone, then the member is required to have a current prescription on file with their home station medical clinic.  Failure to have a current prescription when using  oxymorphone is consider abusing the drug and if the member tested positive for the drug, the member can be prosecuted under the UCMJ. Furthermore, if a member has not report the use of the drug and the member tested positive for oxymorphone, then the member is consider to have illegally used the drug until the member can provide documentation that proves the member has a legitimate current prescription for treatment of their medical condition.  In addition, the military member would not be allowed to participate for pay and points until the case has been processed.

A civilian employee is not required to have a current prescription on file.  However, a civilian employee using oxymorphone without a current prescription can be discipline or discharged for the illicit use of a controlled substance. If an employee’s drug test is positive.  The employee would be contacted by the Medical Review Officer (MRO).  The MRO will request documentation, from the employee, that shows the employee had a current prescription.  If the prescription is not current or the employee had no legitimate reason to be on oxymorphone, then the employee could be disciplined or discharged from employment.

Specifications on Oxymorphones:

Description: See figure 2



Figure 2



²Common Effects: Blue, cold and clammy skin; difficult and slow breathing; numbness in the arms or legs; pinpoint pupils; dizziness; severe drowsiness; slow or irregular heartbeat; coma; nausea; increase heart rate and blood pressure; confusion; pain relief; euphoria; death; addiction.

Packaging: Tablets; suppository and injectable solutions.

Can be bought at: Pharmacies with a legal prescription. Illicit drug markets (such as: schools, workplace public and private locations) by drug dealers or friends.

²Common Names:      Blues, biscuits, blue haven, new blues, octagons, stop signs, pink, pink heaven, pink lady Mrs. O, OM, Pink O, The O bomb.

Users: Primary users are caucasian young adults from the age of 18 to 25 years old. Female users of the drug are slightly higher than male users.

³Cost:                      $40 to $65 per 40-milligram tablet

¹Drug Alert Watch, U.S. Department of Justice, SENTRY Watch, http://www.justice.gov/ndic/sentry/, EWS Report 000011, 19 May 2011.

²National Institute of Drug Abuse, Selected Prescription Drugs with Potential for Abuse, http://www.drugabuse.gov/, April 2005.

³ Drug Intelligence Brief, OPANA Abuse, DEA Philadelphia Division Intelligence Program, May 2011.

Drug Alert Watch - Bath Salts



2C-E

Minnesota made national news on March 16, 2011 when a 19 year old male died and 10 of his friends (ages 16 - 21) were hospitalized after using 2C-E (synthetic hallucinogen).  In response to this tragedy, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill that added substances known as 2C-E and 2C-I, plant food, bath salts, and synthetic cannabinoids to the list of Schedule I drugs in the controlled substances chapter of MN law. The Governor has stated he will sign the bill into law.

In addition to Minnesota's response to the abuse of synthetic substances, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a "Drug Alert Watch" to law enforcement and public health officials regarding the increase in the abuse of synthetic substances. 

 The DOJ in their drug alert stated, "Law enforcement officials throughout the country are reporting that products promoted as bath salts have become prevalent as a drug of abuse. Bath salts have recently appeared in some of the same retail outlets that previously sold synthetic cannabinoid products such as K2 and Spice, and also are available via the Internet. Bath salts are abused as recreational drugs typically by injection, smoking, snorting, and, less often, by the use of an atomizer. Effects include agitation, an intense high, euphoria, extreme energy, hallucinations, insomnia, and making abusers easy to anger. Preliminary testing indicates that the active ingredients in many brands contain MDPV (3,4- methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and/or mephedrone." ¹

Can I use "bath salts" in the Air Force?

Yes, if you are using the bath salts that are made for bathing.  However, if you use the bath salts without legal justification or excuse, and use the salts contrary to the directions of the manufacturer or prescribing health care provider, and the use of any intoxicating substances not intended for human ingestion (AFI 44-120, Attachment 1.), then the member is considered to have wrongfully used synthetic substances (bath salts) and the member can be prosecuted under UCMJ for the wrongful use of those substances.

Bath Salts


Specifications on Bath Salts:

Description: White, odorless, fine-powder;  a tan, brown powdery substance; colorless oil; or clear gelatin capsules.

Common Effects: Similar to methamphetamine, ecstasy, and cocaine. The drug can increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, chest pains, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and death.

Packaging: Small jars – The packaging usually has a disclaimer that states, “not for human consumption" on the product.

Can be bought at: Convenience stores, discount tobacco outlets, gas stations, pawnshops, tattoo, parlors, truck stops, and Internet sites.

Common Names: Blue Silk, Charge+, Ivory Snow, Ivory Wave, Ocean Burst, Pure Ivory, Purple Wave, Snow Leopard, Stardust (Star Dust), Vanilla Sky, White Dove, White Knight, and White Lightening, and Blizzard.

Users: Primary users are male or female from the ages of 15 to their late 40s with an extensive history of drug abuse.

Cost: $25 to $50 per 50-milligrams

¹Drug Alert Watch, U.S. Department of Justice, SENTRY Watch, http://www.justice.gov/ndic/sentry/, EWS Report 000007, 17 December 2010.





Prohibited Supplements

The United States Air Force does not have a formal list of banned supplements, substances or products. So how do you know what products, or supplements are safe to use?

Basic Guidelines to Determine the Safe Use of Supplements and Substances

• Products that contain hemp seed or hemp seed oils are prohibited (AFI 44-121, section 3.5.5.).
• Products that contain DEA Schedule I Controlled Substances are prohibited (AFI 44-120, Attachment 1).
• The wrongful use of anabolic steroids is prohibited (AFI 44-120, Section 2.9.).
• The wrongful use of a drug prescription is prohibited (AFI 44-120, Attachment 1).
• The use of another person's drug prescription is prohibited (AFI 44-120, Attachment 1).
• Any controlled substances (DEA Schedule I, II, III, IV, V), other than alcohol, that is inhaled, injected, consumed, or introduced into the body in a manner to alter mood or function is prohibited (AFI 44-120, Attachment 1).
• TAKE ANY SUPPLEMENTS AT YOUR OWN RISK.  The FDA does not approve supplements therefore the supplements may contain additional substances not listed in the ingredients.
• Read the labels on supplements and vitamins.  If you do not know the ingredient, then look it up at U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before using the supplement or vitamin.
• The local Health and Wellness Center can assist you in determining what fitness enhancing products and vitamins that are safe to use.

Definitions

Wrongful Use means without legal justification or excuse, and includes use contrary to the directions of the manufacturer or prescribing health care provider, and the use of any intoxicating substances not intended for human ingestion (AFI 44-120, Attachment 1.)

Schedule I Controlled Substances have a high potential for abuse, have no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and there is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

References

1. Banned Substances in Fitness Supplements, A1C Candy Miller, 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs, http://www.sheppard.af.mil/news/story_Print.asp?id=123116615.
2. COMUSAFE Bans Several Substances, 1Lt J.D. Griffin, USAFE Public Affairs, http://www.usafe.af.mil/news/story_Print.asp?id=123131253.
3. Buyer Beware: Steroids, Hemp Seed Products Off-Limits to Air Force Members, Capt. Sean McKenna, Air Force Space Command Public Affairs, http://www.defense.gov/specials/drugawareness/usafnews02a.html.

-->

JACK3D Supplements

The drug testing lab has determined the supplement called JACK3D does not contain any ingredients that would cause a positive drug test result.  Please pass this information on to your members and if you or your members have any questions regarding supplements, please contact my office.

I have enclosed the e-mail  from the Chief of the ADAPT / DDR Branch for the Air Force Medical Operations Agency for your reference.

Sent out by e-mail on 9 May 2011.

"The AF Drug Testing Lab and my office have received numerous inquiries about this product since Friday.  The lead toxicologist at the lab has reviewed the manufacturer's list of ingredients and has concluded that there is nothing in it that would result in a positive urinalysis for methamphetamine or anything else.  We have sent this information through the MAJCOM behavioral health consultants for distribution to their DDR program managers to hopefully quell the rumors. Please let me know if you need additional information."

Lt Col Mark S. Oordt
Chief, ADAPT / DDR Branch
HQ Air Force Medical Operations Agency

Male verses Female: Who is more likely to use illicit drugs?

The article was written on 11 November 2010 by the Center for Behavior Health Statistics and Quality for public distribution.  Permission has been granted to reprint the article.

                                             934 AW Drug Demand Reduction Program


Source:  Data Spotlight, SAMHSA Center for Behavior Health Statistics and Quality

Article Title:  Female Veterans Aged 20 to 39 Less Likely to Use Most Substances than Male Counterparts

The proportion of women in the military has grown exponentially since the Vietnam war, and increasingly women have been deployed to combat areas not just as nurses but also as combat support troops. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that in 2009 there were approximately 1.8 million female veterans in the United States. Many of these women had faced the same service-related stressors as their male counterparts, as well as the additional stressors attendant to being a female in a male-dominated profession.¹

Although some studies have shown that, overall, veterans are more likely than nonveterans to use substances,² there are few available published data that compare rates of substance use between female and male veterans. Data from the 2002 to 2009 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUHs) showed that female veterans were significantly less likely than their male counterparts to engage in binge alcohol use, smoke cigarettes, or use any illicit drugs, including marijuana (Figure). However, female and male veterans were equally likely to engage in nonmedical use of prescription-type drugs.

¹Febbraro, A. R., & Gill, R. M. (2010). Gender and military psychology. In J. C. Chrisler & D. R. McCreary (Eds.), Handbook of gender research in psychology. Vol 2: Gender research in social and applied psychology (pp. 671-696). New York: Springer,

² Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. (November 10, 2005). The NSDUH Report: Substance use, dependence, and treatment among veterans. Rockville, MD

International Narcotics Control Strategy Report – International Perspective

INTRODUCTION

The United Nations conducted a series of meetings in 1988 to discuss, review and produce an international response to the negative impact caused by upward global trends in illicit drug activities within many borders of countries throughout the world.  The outcome of those discussions produced an international agreement that outlined obligations that each signer agreed to implement in their respective countries.  The agreement was signed by 179 countries including the United States of America. The agreement title that was signed is  1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988 U.N. Convention). 

The 1988 U.N. Convention’s obligations required the signers to establish and take legal actions to prosecute any illicit drug activities within their borders including drug money laundering, illicit drug production, and trafficking.  In addition to those obligations, the convention requires countries to set strict controls on chemicals that can be used to produce illicit drugs and to cooperate in the international efforts to reduce the global illicit drug trade.

In response to the 1988 U.N. Convention, the United States Congress appropriated monies to support the Convention and amended the Foreign Assistance Act (FFA) of 1961 with criteria on how the monies will be used to meet the obligations that the agreement outlined.  The U.S. Congress also added a reporting requirement, International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), that is submitted annually by the President.   The President assigned the Department of State the responsibility to produce the annual report and to implement the 1988 U.N. Convention.

The Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Division of the Department of State is the inter agency responsible to generate the INCSR, implement the obligations stated in the 1988 U.N. Convention and allocate financial assistance grants to countries as authorized by the amended Foreign Assistance Act (FFA) of 1961.

• The INCSR report reviews each country’s compliance level to the 1988 U.N. Convention and how that country is cooperate with the United States of America.  The President certifies if a country has taken adequate steps on their own to meet the Convention obligations, if the country is in total compliance with the Convention, or if the country has failed to meet the obligations of the Convention.

• Financial grants to support a country’s compliance with the 1988 U.N. Convention is dependent on the President’s annual certification status of that country. If a county is not in compliance or is not working towards compliance, then no funding is granted to that country. Furthermore, the report provides a full and complete description of the vital national interest placed at risk if the United States assistance to that country is terminated (FAA § 490).

The Question and Answer section below summarizes the key parts of the International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume 1, March 2011.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

QUESTION 1: What do these countries have in common - Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

ANSWER:  Major illicit drug producing and drug-transit countries - a major illicit drug producing country is one in which 2,471 acres or more of illicit opium poppy is cultivated or harvested during a year; or, 2,471 acres or more of illicit coca is cultivated or harvested during a year; or 12,355 acres or more of illicit cannabis is cultivated or harvested during a year FAA § 481(e)(2). A major drug-transit country is one that is a significant direct source of illicit narcotic or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances significantly affecting the United States; or through which are transported such drugs or substances. FAA § 481(e) (5).

QUESTION 2: What do these countries have in common - Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

ANSWER: Production of chemicals - A major source for chemical compounds or essential chemicals that are used in the production of illicit narcotics.

QUESTION 3: What do these countries have in common - Afghanistan, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Somalia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

ANSWER: Major money laundering activities - a major money laundering country is defined by statute as one "whose financial institutions engage in currency transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds from international narcotics trafficking." FAA § 481(e)(7). However, the complex nature of money laundering transactions today makes it difficult in many cases to distinguish the proceeds of narcotics trafficking from the proceeds of other serious crime. Moreover, financial institutions engaging in transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds of other serious crime are vulnerable to narcotics-related money laundering. This year‘s list of major money laundering countries recognizes this relationship by including all countries and other jurisdictions, whose financial institutions engage in transactions involving significant amounts of proceeds from all serious crime.

QUESTION 4: How much federal money is spent annually to support the Foreign Assistance Act?

ANSWER:  1.6 Billion Dollars Annually - the money is used to meet the goals and objectives of the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.  The UN Drug Convention was signed by 179 countries. The United States Congress allocated 1.6 billion dollars in fiscal year 2011 for the following regions: Africa, 35.5 million; East Asia and the Pacific,18.6 million; Europe, N/A; Near East, 178.2 million; South and Central Asia, 554.0 million; Western Hemisphere, 607.4 million; and Other Global Programs, 203.2 million.

CONCLUSION

The intent of this article is to show how the United States interacts with other countries to slow down or eradicate illicit drug activates in those countries.  The 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is one of many avenues that are used to fight the war on illicit drug activities worldwide.