Monday, July 31, 2006
Risks and Consequences
There are numerous television ads and radio commercials on the risks and consequences of drug and alcohol use. The claim of the person speaking is that kids are less likely to do drugs if they are "educated" about the associated risks and consequences.
Is this true? Has anybody seen any evidence suggesting this? Any evidence to the contrary?
Since we know that there is no 'gate-way' effect, is scaring kids the most effective policy approach? We stopped doing that with sexual education some time ago, so why are we still doing it with drugs and alcohol and even tobacco use?
I guess when one outcome is "good" and the alternative is "bad" that really leaves no flexibility in understanding and application. There is no real middle of the road in the War on Drugs, is there?
Is this true? Has anybody seen any evidence suggesting this? Any evidence to the contrary?
Since we know that there is no 'gate-way' effect, is scaring kids the most effective policy approach? We stopped doing that with sexual education some time ago, so why are we still doing it with drugs and alcohol and even tobacco use?
I guess when one outcome is "good" and the alternative is "bad" that really leaves no flexibility in understanding and application. There is no real middle of the road in the War on Drugs, is there?
