Here is one way your tax dollars are fighting drug abuse in America. Above the Influence is an advertising campaign in the U.S. by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign that includes broad messaging to focus on substances most abused by teens, and delivers both broad prevention messaging at the national level and more targeted efforts at the local community level. Here is an example of some of their ads. Think they help? It is funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. (ONDCP) In early 2011, The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign will launch a monthly webinar series: Implementing Above the Influence (ATI) in Your Local Community.
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January 11, 2011 at 10:37 pm
Barbara
Well I watched them all.
I liked them, but do I think they will be effective? No. (I am going to link here in hopes that more people give their opinion.)
January 11, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Dadonfire
That’s sort of what I meant; your tax dollars at work. I don’t want to pop anyone’s bubble, but the ONDCP may be somewhat clueless. I wonder how many people would agree. The intentions of those who are in the campaign are good, I’m sure. Let me know what you think about the webinar if you get a chance to watch it.
January 17, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Dad 4 Truth
I watched them all and I agree with Barbara.
Their hearts may be in the right palce but their message is missing the target. The target should be on the parents, family/firends, teachers and youth ministers etc. to let them know what they CAN do when they see signs of abuse.
Who do these folks talk to when they design such ads? Do they consult with alcohol drug counselors who specialize in adolescents? I think not!!
January 18, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Bill Ford
Yes – I agree with you and Barbara – Maybe a bit cynical, but, like green washing, I call this recovery washing. I hope it works, but I think we all know better. The ONDCP and its affiliate programs, would like America to know that its doing something. For them, It doesn’t have to work. Our national and state governments are too “addicted” themselves, to the monumental pork barrel economy that the drug war and continued substance abuse creates for them. The little things we all do makes a bigger difference when you add it all up. I know this is all my opinion, but I think even local SUD treatment agencies spend most of their limited funds on just keeping their scarce programs alive and I know they are well intended. Private agencies, of course can make big money, which we also are painfully aware. Big subject….Big problem….My best suggestion is continued exposure of the issues and eventual impact on the right legislation. Thanks for contributing – BILL
January 19, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Dad 4 Truth
Bill,
I just want to thank you for all your efforts.
Your insight is appreciated and is very well stated.
Dad 4 Truth
January 25, 2011 at 3:07 pm
susan lea
I think ad campaigns can be a source of information but I think the money can be spent in better ways. I like what Bill said, “The little things we all do makes a bigger difference when you add it all up.”
It’s the ‘one on one’ connections with people in the community that have the most effect in my life.