Seth Stevenson

In the following viewpoint, Seth Stevenson argues that government and media messages overstate the risks associated with using illegal drugs. Although Stevenson concedes that drugs can ruin people’s lives, he insists that most people are able to take moderate amounts of drugs without suffering adverse consequences. Stevenson contends that media campaigns exaggerating the harmfulness of drugs will backfire by causing young people to mistrust adults and turn to their peers for advice. Stevenson is a contributor to Slate, an on-line magazine published by Microsoft Corporation.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What does Stevenson consider the most shameful aspect of the media campaign by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA)?
2. On what drugs should the PDFA focus its attention, in the author’s opinion?
3. What facts regarding heroin...