Bush touts successes in fight against drugs

President Bush on Saturday emphasized his
administration’s role in curbing the nation’s drug usage during his time in the
White House.

With less than six weeks left in office, Bush trumpeted his
collaboration with faith-based groups and the Access to Recovery program as
contributing to a significant drop in marijuana and methamphetamine usage.

{mosads}“Through our Access to Recovery program, addicts receive
vouchers they can redeem at treatment centers of their choice, including faith-
based centers,” Bush said. “So far, this program has helped more than 260,000
addicts along the path toward clean lives.”

Bush’s weekly address drew on his meeting Thursday with
recovering addict and Texas Rangers baseball star Josh Hamilton, in which he
echoed his threefold plan of reducing the demand of drugs, prohibiting their
supply, and assisting people addicted to drugs.

Hamilton, 27, was addicted to crack cocaine and alcohol
before turning his life around. Bush credited Hamilton’s recovery not to the
drug abuse programs he participated in but to the family support he received.

“Eight different treatment programs failed to turn his
life around,” Bush said of Hamilton. “But the intervention of his grandmother,
the support of his wife, and the loving influence of God did.”

Bush has admitted to his own drinking habit in the past
but has said he gave it up more than 20 years ago. In his address he cited
three recent drug studies of American youth and overall drug usage.

“The use of cocaine, hallucinogens, steroids, and alcohol
by America’s youth are all on the decline,” Bush said. “Overall, illegal drug
use by Americans is down by 25 percent, meaning we have helped approximately
900,000 young people stay clean.”

The president argued that the statistics “reflect
successful government policies,” adding that they “also represent the courage
and compassion of Americans who are determined to help their fellow citizens
win their struggle against drugs.”