Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relaxed the rules on pharmaceutical companies being able to advertise on TV and in media directly to consumers in 1997, we've seen a barrage of ads at all hours on TV and in magazines and newspapers to "Ask your Doctor" about taking certain drugs. Doctors are now noting a connection in such marketing to drug abuse among our nation's most precious resource - our children.
Imagine from the time of earliest speech all through the teen years being presented with drug ads in TV and most of the other forms of media positioning drugs positively despite their serious side effects. When you go to the movies, you see your favorite actors engaging in drug or alcohol use. After about 10 or more years of this, you would without a doubt come to the conclusion that drugs are a good thing and don't really have a down side. However, as Narconon East U.S. points out, all drugs are poisons. To further emphasize this is the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stating, "You cannot predict the effect that a drug can have on you." Even more, we now have the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stating that media plays a key role in adolescent substance abuse. The cure? Eliminate drug TV ads from your child's TV time. Pediatricians are also vying for all drug, tobacco and alcohol advertising not to occur before 10 p.m. The other less obvious form of advertising is done in the movies our children watch when very often we see a “popular” celebrity taking or using or encouraging the use of a drug, usually very subtly. Doctors also note that children viewing this are impacted and as they are most likely to imitate their role models, drugs become a part of what they now consider to be "cool". With over $25 billion in annual drug advertising revenue at stake, it is unlikely that drug advertisers and media will follow the above rules without an act of Congress. However, there are still ways for concerned parents to overcome this barrage. Narconon East U.S. advises that parents and educators can go far in lessening drug ad impact on children by following their pediatrician's advice. Specifically, one should avoid exposing young children to substance-related content on TV, internet and media. This includes PG-13 and R-rated movies. Also, parents should educate their children on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Narconon East U.S. provides well-written drug education materials and can arrange drug education lectures for your child's school or group.
Drug ads have stated repeatedly to "Ask your Doctor". The doctors have responded - keep your kids away from drug, alcohol and tobacco ads and educate your child to lead a drug-free life. Perhaps the response is different than the advertisers wanted but nonetheless true. If you would like more information on how to talk to your son or daughter about drugs or alcohol or you (or a family member) need personal assistance with someone struggling with substance abuse, please contact Narconon East U.S. at 877-237-3307.
