1.5 Learning About Psychoactive Drugs
Jacqueline Lewis
The Importance of Evidence-Based Drug Educational Materials
Drug education campaigns have historically been “anti-drug” and sensationalist in nature (Werb et al., 2011). The typical messages provided are that “drugs are bad” and “people who use drugs are bad” or “bad things will happen to them.” The campaigns are often factually inaccurate, heavily moralistic and judgemental in their messaging, lacking evidence/science in terms of their design and the information provided (Fishbein et al., 2002; Kirkey, 2018; Rosenbaum, 2014). Abstinence from substance use/”just saying no” is typically put forward as the only option.
Moralistic and abstinence-only messaging has been found to lack credibility and be ineffective (Fishbein et al., 2002; Kirkey, 2018). Despite all the money spent on such education efforts over the years, there is scant evidence that they dissuade substance use (Fishbein et al., 2002; Werb et al., 2011). In fact, research has found that some drug education materials can encourage drug use or at least contribute to a healthy skepticism from the target audience, who are typically youth and young adults (Dejong & Wallack, 1999).
People (including teenagers and young adults) consume psychoactive substances (legal and illegal). The question is how can we provide educational materials that explain how to reduce the harms associated with substance use, and that model behaviour, that also resonate with the intended audience? Removing the moralism and judgement is part of the answer. The other part is producing evidence/ science-based materials, with credible messaging and behaviour modelling (Dejong & Wallack, 1999; Kirkey, 2018; Werb et al., 2011), that are also culturally sensitive (Maina et al., 2020).
VIDEO: Current TV Bashes “Anti-Drug” Propaganda Campaign
The following video provides a critical and humorous look at past televised drug education campaigns/public service announcements (PSAs). (Watch to 3:20 minute mark)
Evidence-Based Educational Materials
The Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) has developed a series of informational brochures that take an evidence-based approach to drug education. Instead of the usual labelling of psychoactive substances as bad and all substance use as dangerous, the “Learn About…” series provides information that helps people better understand substances they may want to learn more about (see links below). This information includes: what the substances are; why people use them; how one can expect to feel after using the substance; the risks tied to use; and how to reduce those risks and make healthier choices.
Click the links below to “learn about” psychoactive substances:
Learn About MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly)
Safer Tripping: Magic Mushrooms, LSD, & Other Hallucinogens
The critical orientation to drug education introduced in this section is important for this course, as it provides an orientation you are expected to use throughout the semester. As you progress through the weekly course materials, you will be challenged to critically engage with common (mis)perceptions regarding drugs, people who use drugs/substances (PWUD/PWUS), and drug policy (regulation and control policies). The goal is to enhance critical thinking skills and in doing so, encourage you to critically reflect on your own views and attitudes – the first steps toward facilitating progressive social change.
