The role of the media is multiple. They can help set priorities for social and political action, such as the importance of evidence-based prevention, the need for greater investment in prevention, safety warnings, and public health threats. In addition, they can serve to coordinate the prevention of the use of psychoactive substances in several micro- and macro-environments in the community.  

Mass media have several characteristics that make them attractive for prevention:

Economy and coverage: a good media campaign can reach a mass audience at a relatively low cost.

Possibility of targeted action: campaigns can be broadcast at a time that will ensure the greatest availability of preventive messages to the groups in greatest need (e.g. young adolescents, students, those who have a rich nightlife).

Rapid response: a preventive message can be developed quickly and respond to a newly emerging need – for example, a new psychoactive substance causing adverse effects in the community. 

Influence on opinion makers: the media can join the political and public debate and play a role in educating and influencing public opinion makers about the most appropriate and effective responses to the use of psychoactive substances. 

Media campaigns are most effective in combination with other preventive approaches, if they are implemented in parallel with preventive interventions in the family, school and society. Multiple preventive interventions may be more effective.

NARKO-NE media campaigns:

You have responsibilty   is a campaign aimed at preventing alcohol addiction with the aim of increasing parents’ awareness of their responsibility and role in preventing alcohol addiction among children and young people   

What are you putting on the line?   is a campaign focused on the prevention of gambling addiction with the aim   of increasing citizens’ awareness of the impact gambling has on the lives of individuals and families.