NCJ Number
194661
Date Published
2000
Length
47 pages
Annotation
In support of the National Drugs Strategy, this report examines external communications to the public about drugs and specific drug communication interventions.
Abstract
Drugs communications are used to raise awareness and increase knowledge of drugs and drug problems, as well as support drug interventions at governmental and community levels. This report outlines why the drug strategy would not communicate itself and how government policy could help in the development of a more positive social climate. Recommendations in the form of proposed actions are made about how drug communications should be developed and managed in the future and suggests a process of review, support, and coordination. The first action focused on communications about government programs and making clear statements in conjunction with communications concerning all government programs impacting drug issues. The second proposed action on drug communication initiatives suggest that government drug communication initiatives reflect effective practices. The third and final action is to review current activity. To review how government departments are currently communicating with the public about drugs. Appendices include an overview of literature on the effectiveness of drug communications, young people’s views on drug use, and advantages and disadvantages of using different types of media for drug communications.