The Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF documents. Click on the button below to download the latest version. The study showed that on television drug use is usually associated with negative consequences. Many experts believe that accurate depiction of the problems drugs cause may be important in deterring drug use among teens.
Popular culture can play a critical role in giving young people the confidence to reject drugs.
Selection was based on Nielsen Media Research cumulative prime-time ratings from the fall 1998 television season. The research found that characters used illicit drugs in only 3 percent of the shows analyzed, and nearly all of those episodes mentioned some kind of negative consequences. The study was released at the Television Critics Association's bi-annual press tour in Pasadena, California. Using popular culture to help teens reject drugs is a central component of the Campaign's strategy. The shows we looked at are the most popular teen programs in the country.