PSA LAID A GUILT TRIP

The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) landed a couple
of cheap shots during the Super Bowl this past Sunday. ONDCP's
public-service announcements during the game laid a heavy guilt trip on any
young person who may have used illegal drugs. Capitalizing on the tragic
events of Sept. 11, the commercial told young drug users that they are
supporting terrorists and drug smugglers by this behavior.

In light of the patriotic fervor sweeping the country, it's not helpful to
intimate that our young people are involved in disloyal activities. For
people who are, in fact, developing a serious substance abuse problem, this
can only add to the stress and blame, which can be a trigger for more use.

What is even more interesting was that these announcements took place
during a show that featured many Budweiser beer commercials promoting the
use of alcohol, a legal drug.

ANTHONY SCRO

Editor's Note: The writer is co-founder of the Advocates for the Betterment
of Addiction Treatment and Education (ABATE). Whitestone