This document discusses the history and issues with America's War on Drugs. It began in the 1970s under President Nixon as a law and order issue rather than a health one. The DEA was formed in 1973 to enforce drug laws. Drug use rose in the late 1970s despite these efforts. The war has failed to curb drug use and has negatively impacted minority communities while benefiting private prisons. Alternatives such as decriminalization and treatment are proposed instead of the current punitive approach.