Drugs, Crime and Violence - by Howard Rahtz (Paperback)

About the Book

In this book, Howard Rahtz outlines a series of drug policy steps buttressed by a historical review of drug policy measures, a review of international efforts against trafficking, and a clear understanding of the dynamics of addiction and its role in facilitating the illegal drug market.

Book Synopsis

Forty years ago, President Richard Nixon declared a "war on drugs." Since that time, the country has incarcerated thousands of citizens and spent billions of dollars, and yet the drug problem rolls on. Today, the illegal drug market funds international terrorism, the horrific drug war on the Mexican border, and the senseless violence plaguing our communities, large and small. It is past time for a new direction. This book provides a drug policy framework that will choke off the revenue supporting the illegal drug market. Howard Rahtz outlines a series of drug policy steps buttressed by a historical review of drug policy measures, a review of international efforts against trafficking, and a clear understanding of the dynamics of addiction and its role in facilitating the illegal drug market.

Review Quotes

"With a rare combination of treatment and law enforcement backgrounds, Howard brings a unique perspective to the drug war. Howard's book is one of the few I have read which factually and objectively covers all aspects of the 'war on drugs.' Whether [you're] new to this issue or [you're] a drug policy scholar, when you've closed the [back] cover, you will be enlightened, well-informed, and capable of developing an educated reasonable conclusion. The book is transformational. Well done." --Neill Franklin, executive director, LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition)

"Howard Rahtz has presented one of the most comprehensive works ever written dealing with the multiple layers of problems caused by drugs and alcohol in our society. His intuitive analysis of our drug policies, along with his insights into our interdiction and law enforcement efforts, have rightfully concluded that unless we begin to make major changes in our attitudes, laws, and social policies, we may never come close to resolving this ubiquitous and devastating dilemma." --Lawrence M. Anthony, Ph.D., LICDC, substance abuse treatment specialist, U.S. District Court, coordinator, Addictions Studies, Beckfield College

"In the realm of drug policy ideas, it matters who's talking. With his background both in addictions and in law enforcement, Howard knows what he is talking about. When he talks, I listen. When he writes, I read." --David Logan, M.A., LICDC, executive director, Prospect House

Howard Rahtz has presented one of the most comprehensive works ever written dealing with the multiple layers of problems caused by drugs and alcohol in our society. His intuitive analysis of our drug policies, along with his insights into our interdiction and law enforcement efforts, have rightfully concluded that unless we begin to make major changes in our attitudes, laws, and social policies, we may never come close to resolving this ubiquitous and devastating dilemma.


In the realm of drug policy ideas, it matters who's talking. With his background both in addictions and in law enforcement, Howard knows what he is talking about. When he talks, I listen. When he writes, I read.


With a rare combination of treatment and law enforcement backgrounds, Howard brings a unique perspective to the drug war. Howard's book is one of the few I have read which factually and objectively covers all aspects of the 'war on drugs.' Whether [you're] new to this issue or [you're] a drug policy scholar, when you've closed the [back] cover, you will be enlightened, well-informed, and capable of developing an educated reasonable conclusion. The book is transformational. Well done.

About the Author

After a twenty-year career in the addictions field, Howard Rahtz joined the Cincinnati Police Department in 1988. He retired from the department in 2007 as commander of the department's Vice Unit. He currently teaches at police academies and colleges in the Cincinnati area. He is the author of two previous books on policing.