• Social norms marketing for addiction prevention

    Monday, December 29th, 2008

    Social norms marketing is emerging as a major force in changing behaviors - including problem drinking - among certain populations. But just which populations might benefit from this prevention technique? And how do social norms campaigns work? We explore the “power of normal” in this enlightening new field of communications.

     

  • Surviving Christmas and family time tips for addicts

    Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

    The holiday season bring us high or low. On either extreme, it’s a time of needed vigilance for addicts and alcoholics, a time when many relapses occur. So what can you do to buckle in and stay in the middle of your game? Here are some tips and suggestions for making it through December 25…and beyond. Other suggestions and experiences welcome.

     

  • Top 10 ways to improve your body image

    Monday, December 22nd, 2008

    If you look in the mirror, you deal with self-image. Here are some tips for teens (and adults!) for maintaining healthy self-image and self-esteem. Ten simple steps on how to begin thinking of yourself differently. Learn how to base your satisfaction with yourself less on outward appearance and more on internal goals.

     

  • Can ignition interlock devices be a driving hazard?

    Monday, December 8th, 2008

    In the absence of a parole officer, convicted drunk drivers are now taking breathalyzer tests before their car engines will even start…and they are breathing into the dashboard! Ignition interlock devices all over the U.S. require a BAC (blood alcohol consumption) level of .02-.04% before a car will start. But can the “rolling retest” for blood-alcohol levels endanger the lives of drivers and fellow travelers?

     

  • Higher IQ in children linked to adult alcohol use

    Friday, November 21st, 2008

    So higher IQ might be a precursor of addiction. What steps can we take to prevent children and adolescents from the boredom, despair and anger associated with addiction … and offer meaningful alternatives to engaging addictive behaviour?

     

  • Top 10 Addiction PSA’s from the 80’s (part 3)

    Sunday, November 16th, 2008

    The last of a three (3) part series, these drug prevention videos are a reminder that public service announcements can be low budget and effective, or high budget and really kind of wacky. In the end, it all comes down to the message. And the simpler, the better, in my opinion. What do you think?

     

  • Top 10 drug and alcohol campaign ideas — prevention

    Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

    Ideas for non-profits and government organizations looking to run drug prevention campaigns. Remember that it’s best to start early and that kids are open to messages until puberty. But these ideas are good preventative ideas for any age of your target audience.

     

  • Top 10 Addiction PSA’s from the 80’s (part 2)

    Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

    Public service announcements. Nancy Reagan. The eighties. Summers when D.C. was the “murder capital of the world” and skating and California were too cool. Did these messages warning against the danger of drugs work for you?

     

  • Top 10 Addiction PSA’s from the 80’s (part 1)

    Monday, October 20th, 2008

    The first in a series of posts that fondly remember the public service announcements of the 1980’s. They certainly worked to keep me out of the stash that decade, but ironically fueled the addiction fire in the 90’s. Enjoy.