This guide is aimed at those concerned with drugs prevention who would like to communicate drugs prevention messages using media resources, and who would like to know more about the formal planning, implementation and evaluation of effective media-based interventions.

The authors present recommended principles for government departments communicating with the public (external communications) in support of the National Drugs Strategy. The rationale of the guidelines presented here is that all government communications about drugs should reinforce the message that the drugs strategy is evidence-based and that government's programme/policies reflect this. Covers: why we need a national anti-drugs strategy; achieving effective drugs communication; co-ordinating the communications strategy.

This is a toolkit for those working locally with the problem of drug use. It provides ideas for putting news out using local media.Includes CD-Rom and poster.