Information analysis in drug consumption and other addictions prevention

Abstract

Traditionally a large proportion of the preventive programs focused in drugs and other addictions among adolescents and young people have drawn on the information as a core strategy to discourage the consumption, using arguments based in the consequences of the deterioration being substance consumers, as well as in the abuse of other non chemical addictive behaviors. The classical approach is based on the rational decision process among young people to do the consumption or not, therefore if they were properly informed about the risks they would choose the no consumption. Is essential to address the importance of three topics around the information issue: degree and quality information among young people, degree and quality information among parents and information source search about drugs and its credibility degree. The models of transmission and information content used by the commercial advertising may be more appropriate and effective than the ‘fear resort’ within health behaviors and addictions in general. The trend of health message promoters continue to be the communication of risk and negative consequences, following the fear resort way. We propose that would be more effective using positive messages enforcing a healthy lifestyle.