There is a small percentage of people who under-perceive the substance use norms of their peers. The more accurate social norms message would then raise their perceptions to a more accurate picture of the substance abuse scene around them. The small number that under perceive the true norms do so because they are often in social settings that communicate very strong anti-drug use messages. The accurate information is much more conservative than the messages that they would receive from their peers and the larger culture and should not over-ride the strong protective support that already exists in their lives. It is important to communicate the seriousness of substance abuse problems in conjunction with the fact that the majority of people do not use drugs.
Honest communication is crucial.
Over-exaggerating the norms of substance abuse may serve to stir up concern but it does nothing to help reduce use. Reducing substance use comes from de-normalizing the role of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in society. Education about the harmful effects of drugs must continue to exist. People adapt to what they see as the acceptable behaviors around them. For example, if most teens think that most people are drug-free, then most will join this powerful majority.