The war on drugs started long before the 1980's and if it was intended to reduce or eliminate drug abuse it has been a failure. An utter failure. But that was not its purpose. The 18th amendment was passed in 1919, and resulted in the growth of law enforcement. The real purpose of the war on drugs, and make no mistake, booze is a drug, was many more cops. This growth was stymied when prohibition was repealed and should have resulted in a reduction in LEO's. This could not happen, a new purpose was needed to continue the growth in LEO's. From that perspective, the war on drugs has been a spectacular success, with no end in sight.