We are kids of the technology era, we’ve grown up in front of the telly screen, subscribing to cartoons and shows on a daily basis. We know all the words to the Jetsons’ theme song, and we were warned of permanent retina damage by the age of 45. So, we’re no strangers to the soul crushing anti-drug campaign ads. PSAs have tried quite hard to keep you away from this ‘nasty’ habit, but how effective have they been?
The tactics are very skilfully employed; they seem to know how to get to you.
The Guilty Conscience
You’re a basketball prodigy; your little brother looks up to you and aspires to be just like you one day. But oh no, it’s his game practice today, and you’ve ditched him to smoke some weed with your homies. Now the little fella is left unattended and disappointed in you. How could you?
Guilt Factor: 6.5, depends if you actually have any siblings.
The Cute Kid/Death of Innocence
Childhood was bliss. Slumber parties, camping trips, scouting, running up and down the elevators to sneak into your teachers’ office; but all of this came to an abrupt end when little Timmy started smuggling MDMA into the slumber parties, Jack started to bring meth to the camping trips, and Sarah got high in the elevators; then the whole world ended.
Guilt Factor: -1.2, either you’re still a kid, and don’t get it or you’re all grown up and this is all irrelevant i.e: you really couldn’t give a shit.
The ‘Your Heroes Wouldn’t Do This’
A favourite of Anti-Drug campaigners is getting celebrities to endorse the drug-free cause.Imagine owning every TMNT limited edition lunchbox, backpack and colouring pens, and to have Michaelangelo look you in the eye, tell you to your face that drugs aren’t cool? You would drop that bud stat. If he’s not doing it, then damn it, you won’t either!
Guilt Factor: 7, they try to get a variety of celebrities, there’s enough for every fan.
The ‘This Is What Will Happen To You’
Doing drugs is some trippy shit. Yes, you will deflate and engage in casual conversations with your dog. And if you don’t have a dog, and can’t deflate, you will turn into a wasp and start inhaling bug spray. You can’t escape, it will happen. Don’t do drugs.
Guilt Factor: 0, unless of course you’re already high, and really do see your friend turn into a wasp.
The ‘You Will Die Of A Horrible Death’
Arguably, the most effective tactic ever used. There is a significant amount of truth in these ads, but have they been over exaggerated? Yes. If you do meth, you will lose function of your teeth, vision and overall health. If you inject heroin, you are at a greater risk of getting AIDS and Hepatitis C than anyone who’s not planning on getting tattooed, or a blood transfusion. Cocaine can burn your brain cells into cottage cheese and LSD leaves you with a numbing feeling that makes you susceptible to internal bleeding if injured. But don’t expect all of the above to happen on the same day/trip, it takes a bit longer than that.
Guilt Factor: 8.4, depending on how often these ads are on rotation (and lately, they’ve been slacking).
So, Are You Still On Drugs?
