Dadah abuse: Low-key approach better
Charles F MoreiraPublished: Dec 12, 2006 8:22 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
I refer to the letter Bring back that 1980s anti-dadah ad.
While I recall lots of anti-dadah ads in the 1980s, I don't, however, recall the particular add Srikanth Siva referred to.
However, back in the 1980s, with the number of drug addicts increasing, I wondered whether the ads themselves, while condemning dadah-taking, were not actually providing more publicity and creating more curiosity over narcotic drugs, hence contributing to the increase of its abuse.
Sure, it may have discouraged some people from experimenting with drugs but just as some people treat government statements and parents' advice with contempt (especially youths at a rebellious and curious age), these ads could be treated with contempt as well.
Especially if they are over-sensationalised and instead make the curious to try out drugs for fun which leads to addiction later on.
As is the case with rebellious teenagers, often the best way to make them do something is to tell them not to it and vice-versa.
Perhaps the government realised this and stopped the ads.
The best approach might be to avoid an overt and sensationalised publicity of drug abuse while advising of the risks and dangers in a low-key manner by teachers and parents.
While I recall lots of anti-dadah ads in the 1980s, I don't, however, recall the particular add Srikanth Siva referred to.
However, back in the 1980s, with the number of drug addicts increasing, I wondered whether the ads themselves, while condemning dadah-taking, were not actually providing more publicity and creating more curiosity over narcotic drugs, hence contributing to the increase of its abuse.
Sure, it may have discouraged some people from experimenting with drugs but just as some people treat government statements and parents' advice with contempt (especially youths at a rebellious and curious age), these ads could be treated with contempt as well.
Especially if they are over-sensationalised and instead make the curious to try out drugs for fun which leads to addiction later on.
As is the case with rebellious teenagers, often the best way to make them do something is to tell them not to it and vice-versa.
Perhaps the government realised this and stopped the ads.
The best approach might be to avoid an overt and sensationalised publicity of drug abuse while advising of the risks and dangers in a low-key manner by teachers and parents.
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