Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

In the following viewpoint, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) contend that movies often present substance abuse in a positive light, including the portrayal of drug use, smoking, and drinking among adolescent characters. Although substance abuse is sometimes associated with negative consequences, such as crime, the authors assert that movies frequently link drug use to wealth and humorous situations. ONDCP formulates the government’s national drug strategy. SAMHSA is aimed at improving the quality of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitative services.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Illicit drugs appear in what percentage of movies, according to the study?
2. According to the authors, how many movies contained negative statements about drug...