ADVERTS HIGHLIGHT DRUG DANGERS

A new television campaign highlighting the dangers of drug abuse has been
launched by the Scottish Executive.

The adverts, which form part of the UKP6.3m Know the Score initiative, mark
a change in strategy by ministers.

They have moved away from the "just say no" tactics of the past into a new
phase, highlighting the need to know about the effects of drug abuse and
addiction.

The first advert features a night in the life of a young male on drugs, in
which he finds himself increasingly isolated from those around him and
unable to communicate.

The adverts publicise a helpline and website and are also being transmitted
over the internet and on radio.

Dr Richard Simpson, the deputy justice minister, said: "The reality is that
drug misuse can ruin a young person's potential and the enjoyment they can
get from life.

"All drugs can be dangerous. It can also badly affect their family and the
community in which they live through generating drug-related crime.

'Throwing In The Towel'

"We will provide high quality, evidence-based information to help young
people make the informed and healthy choice not to take drugs."

The minister said the campaign follows extensive research and contains the
"powerful message" that young people on drugs are missing out on some of
the best years of their lives.

Conservative justice spokesman James Douglas Hamilton said not enough was
being done to discourage youngsters from taking drugs.

"Instead of throwing in the towel and softening its policy towards drug
abuse, the executive should have persevered with the message that drug
abuse is dangerous and stepped up efforts to overcome the drugs menace," he
said.

He criticised the executive for being "short-sighted" and sending out the
wrong message to young people.