Researchers study how drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are portrayed on television, in movies, in songs, and in other forms of media. According to some studies, media containing scenes or conversations about these substances can affect drinking, smoking, and illicit drug use, especially among children and young adults. Some organizations are trying to reduce or eliminate the appearance of these substances in the media. They also encourage actors, musicians, writers, and producers to portray substance use in a realistic—not a glamorous—way.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs in Movies

In 1999 a research and advocacy organization called Mediascopeﾀ completed a study about substance use in movies and music. Mediascope researchers wanted to compare the public's impression of how often alcohol, drugs, and tobacco were mentioned or seen in movies and music to the actual number of...