Can demand for illicit drugs be reduced?

Given the technological advances in communications and logistics systems, as well as the enormous profits derived from illicit drug trafficking, it is most probable that traffickers will in the future attempt to increase both the illicit supply of and demand for drugs. It is also expected that traffickers will manage to produce new addiction-producing substances for the illicit market. In these circumstances, and given the fact that addicts have formed deeply rooted drug-using habits, it appears that the reduction of the illicit demand for drugs can only be achieved by concurrent implementation of both stringent drug law enforcement measures and effective programmes for the prevention of drug abuse and for the treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of drug-addicted persons.