WASHINGTON — With the US opioid crisis the subject of increased political focus, advocates in the recovery community had been quietly hoping President Trump might elevate the White House “drug czar” to his Cabinet. Now they are mobilizing to ensure the drug czar’s office won’t be eliminated entirely.
A recent report that the White House may propose axing the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has sparked a scramble among leaders in the recovery community and among law enforcement. The National Fraternal Order of Police has already prepared a letter to Trump urging him to reject any proposal to eliminate the office. Advocates in the recovery community have drafted their own letter expressing support for the office.
Bill Clinton reduced the ONDCP by over 70% when he became president and youth drug use doubled after which he restored the staff and hired Gen. Barry McCaffrey as drug czar who stabilized youth drug use. Any attempts to reduce ONDCP now with drug deaths and addiction soaring, would only increase the youth drug holocaust.