Pubdate: Thu, 07 Feb 2002
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2002 Newsday Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/homepage.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Author: Anthony Scro
Note: The writer is co-founder of the Advocates for the Betterment of 
Addiction Treatment and Education (ABATE). Whitestone

PSA LAID A GUILT TRIP

The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) landed a couple 
of cheap shots during the Super Bowl this past Sunday. ONDCP's 
public-service announcements during the game laid a heavy guilt trip on any 
young person who may have used illegal drugs. Capitalizing on the tragic 
events of Sept. 11, the commercial told young drug users that they are 
supporting terrorists and drug smugglers by this behavior.

In light of the patriotic fervor sweeping the country, it's not helpful to 
intimate that our young people are involved in disloyal activities. For 
people who are, in fact, developing a serious substance abuse problem, this 
can only add to the stress and blame, which can be a trigger for more use.

What is even more interesting was that these announcements took place 
during a show that featured many Budweiser beer commercials promoting the 
use of alcohol, a legal drug.

ANTHONY SCRO

Editor's Note: The writer is co-founder of the Advocates for the Betterment 
of Addiction Treatment and Education (ABATE). Whitestone
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