Television advertising and drug use

Abstract

Findings do not establish a causal link between drug advertising and drug abuse. However, they suggest that drug promotion on television tends to encourage favorable attitudes towards drug use through exaggerated claims and through failure to point out the need to exercise appropriate caution in drug taking. Other studies have implied a relation between the susceptibility of drug using individuals to advertising and their tendencies toward drug abuse. Considering these factors, the prevalence of drug advertising, and the high degree of credibility television has among viewers, it must be concluded that ads should be assumed to influence the public toward heavier use of drugs unless proved otherwise. As such, these issues demand the serious attention of media, the drug industry, legislators, and consumers alike.