Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in the United States

The Presidential Administrations are committed to restoring balance to U.S. drug-control efforts by coordinating government-wide public health and public safety approach to reduce drug use and its consequences. Led by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, this effort, under the Obama Administration, included a renewed emphasis on community-based prevention programs, early intervention programs in healthcare settings, aligning criminal justice policies and public health systems to divert non-violent drug offenders into treatment instead of jail, funding scientific research on drug use, and, through the Affordable Care Act, expanding access to substance abuse treatment.

A component of the Executive Office of the President, the Office of National Drug Control Policy was created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. The Office of National Drug Control Policy advises the President on drug-control issues, coordinates drug-control activities and related funding across the Federal government, and produces the annual National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines Administration efforts to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.

The ONDCP fosters healthy individuals and safe communities by effectively leading the Nation’s effort to reduce drug use and its consequences. Working with Federal agencies, State and local
government officials, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, the Office of National Drug Control Policy develops a national strategy to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking; drug-related crime and violence; and drug-related health consequences.

Office Descriptions

Below are brief descriptions of the components, or offices, at the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The enclosed information is not intended to serve as an exhaustive description for each office.

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (OD)

Supports the Director and the Chief of Staff in the management of the Office of National Drug Control Policy and in creation of the guidance required for the development and coordination of drug control policy.

OFFICE OF POLICY, RESEARCH AND BUDGET (OPRB)

Coordinates policy and budget development by the National Drug Control Program agencies. This office also coordinates demand and supply reduction policies, including the disruption of domestic and international markets for illegal drugs, by Federal, State, local and tribal agencies and international partners. This office encourages strategic actions and partnerships, as well as oversight of drug interdiction efforts. In addition, the office provides analysis of recent research results and data and performance information pertaining to drug policy.

OFFICE OF PROGRAMS (OP)

Manages the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program and programs in the Other Federal Drug Control Account (including: Drug-Free Communities, Drug Court Training and Technical Assistance, Anti-Doping Activities, World Anti-Doping Agency, and Section 1105 of P.L. 109-469).

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS (OPA)

This office develops and implements communication strategies to convey the Administration’s drug policy priorities to the media and the public.

OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL PUBLIC LIAISON (OIPL)

This office works closely with national, state, local, and tribal leaders and law enforcement and substance abuse organizations to provide strategic outreach as the Office of National Drug Control Policy establishes policies, priorities, and objectives for the Nation’s drug control program.

OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS (OLA)

This office works to advance the Administration’s drug policy with the United States Congress through outreach to Members of Congress and their staff, involvement in Congressional hearings, and the development of legislative strategies for bills and issues.

OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL (OLC)

Provides legal advice on all aspects of the Office of National Drug Control Policy business (including ethics, acquisition law and appropriations law) and legal advice on policy development.

OFFICE OF INTELLIGENCE (OI)

Provides analytic support of intelligence-related issues to the Director and senior Office of National Drug Control Policy staff, as well as coordinating drug-related Intelligence Community and law enforcement intelligence efforts.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION (OMA)

Provides financial management, human resources, information technology, security, administrative, and travel services support for the Office of National Drug Control Policy.