Drug czar is an informal name for the person who directs drug-control policies in various areas. The term follows the informal use of the term czar in U.S. politics.

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), a component of the Executive Office of the President, was established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. The principal purpose of ONDCP is to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the Nation's drug control program.

In response to the growing drug abuse problem in the late 1960s and early 1970s, President Richard Nixon created America's first Drug Czar, enhanced law enforcement, and centralized programs for drug abuse education, treatment, rehabilitation, research, and training.

Director Rahul Gupta, MD, MPH, MBA, FACP ONDCP coordinates the nation's $43 billion drug budget and federal policies, including prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery support, and supply reduction.