Executive Summary

Youth in Detroit are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs than are youth statewide. The trend is consistent with typically lower rates of use found among African American teens nation-wide. However, drug seizures are rising and Detroit youth can easily obtain drugs, particularly alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. Economically and socially the city pays a high price. Rates of unemployment, traffic accidents, crime and many other problems are all exacerbated by drugs.
Historically, Detroit's efforts to address drug abuse through prevention and treatment have been hampered by limited financial resources. For instance, 93 percent of residents who need drug treatment do not receive it. More than 80 percent of inmates in Wayne County have drug-related problems, yet treatment is available for only 6 percent. But there are positives, too. Drug-related homicide reports have decreased recently. Efforts to monitor the sale of tobacco products to youth are also working.
Detroit can build on these advances and strengthen its drug prevention efforts by adopting a variety of measures. Chief among them:

Both within and among public and private agencies, substantial steps should be taken to improve coordination and information-sharing. Currently, many departments and agencies are characterized by a serious lack of collaboration and accountability.
Improved collection, analysis, use and dissemination of the city's drug-related data is essential for all of these players. Better information can play a crucial role in shaping Detroit's anti-drug strategies and programs.
Local efforts to reduce drug problems must be rigorously evaluated to determine their effectiveness. Programs that work should be replicated, while those that do not should be modified or eliminated.

Fortunately, Detroit is now well-positioned to reinvigorate its response to drug abuse. Many of the city's public agencies have new leaders, creating an opportunity for real structural and programmatic change. And the city has recently undergone an economic upswing which may help increase the availability of much-needed resources.