Headlines

Substance Abuse Ads Increase Awareness Of Underage Drinking, Meth Use

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

KSL-TV (UT)

Underage drinking and meth use both are big problems in our state. But according to an annual report given to the Utah Substance Abuse Council, progress has been made through a series of substance-abuse ads.

The state's annual report on teens and alcohol and meth use was presented to the Substance Abuse Council today. There is success in that the ads have created awareness.

Now 67 percent of parents surveyed say they are likely to set guidelines for their teens. But some still doubt their effectiveness.

"One, is they don't believe they have the influence on their kids to prevent underage drinking, and the second is they believe that they have great kids. And this campaign goes out to tell them, 'Yes, you have great kids. We agree with you. But even good kids face this decision to drink underage,'" said Steve Wright, executive at R&R Partners advertising.

The emotional ads about meth users were a wake-up call to the public. In just one year, recognition of the problem doubled, from 31 percent to 62 percent.

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