Drug Wars Returns to Oregon
Drug Wars Returns to Oregon as the Saving Our Children Campaign
August 2023 — Today, drug abuse threatens children in Oregon more than ever before. The Saving Our Children Campaign, spearheaded by Tom Monson, a 35-year Oregon resident, and award-winning author and filmmaker, will lead the charge against the drug crisis gripping our communities.
A recent survey by Polfish reported that almost two-thirds of high school students consider using drugs as “cool;” nearly half have little understanding about the dangers of meth, heroin, opioids, and ecstasy; however, the good news is 80% of them said they would be less likely to even experiment with drugs if they understood the potential impact on their health, their relationships, and their future.
It’s a safe bet everyone in our community is aware of drugs. “Creating awareness is not enough,” Monson explained. “I’m pretty sure most kids are aware of drugs, but they don’t understand how drugs can cause permanent damage to young brains that are still growing.”
“Your typical awareness campaign usually consists of a 30-second PSA that tells you that doing drugs is wrong,” Monson advised. “We tell our kids to look both ways before they cross the street because we can tell them what could happen in a few seconds, but when trying to tell them about the consequences of drugs and substance abuse, it’s not possible to get the message across in 30 seconds. It’s not uncommon for a PSA to have the opposite effect and normalize drug and substance use.”
Drug Wars Returns with an Answer
What’s the answer? Some youngsters try drugs because their friends do or because somebody wants to make some money selling them drugs. Since more than 80% of high school students said they would not try them if they knew how drugs could harm them, we need to help them understand why they should avoid drugs — but it takes more than 30 seconds.
“This is why our long-format television programs and books are so successful,” Monson said.
Monson has been producing educational material and television shows since 1986. In 1992, when a drunk driver killed his son, Matthew, Monson began producing drug-prevention-related material. One of his television programs, Drug Wars, One Families Battle, was responsible for reductions in heroin-related deaths in Oregon. It received Excellence in Media Award from the governor of Oregon.
With over a dozen television shows and a dozen books in print, Monson is utilizing all his skills and knowledge to convince our children to stay away from drugs.
“That’s why Drug Wars returns and we are creating a multi-media campaign to use the power of storytelling to teach young people the truth about drugs and substance abuse so they will understand how using drugs can destroy their lives,” Monson added.
Our first step was to release a novel called Eric’s Song. It’s the story of a teen who is enticed into using meth and falls into its grip. The reader gets to experience what life a teenage drug addict’s life is like. This book is perfect for parents and grandparents to read to their children (ages 10 and up) to make sure they understand how drugs can take them places they never want to go.
We will soon be releasing a graphic novel under a similar name. It’s the same story told visually. It is designed to attract the attention of young boys (research shows that they are more likely to experiment and lead young girls into experimentation).
We are also producing a television special based on the same story. As before, the impact will be substantial, reaching audiences through several TV markets. The broadcast premiere is tentatively scheduled for February of 2024. We will promote the premiere on multiple advertising channels . After that, the show will be online for a year. We’ll produce an online guide for parents, coaches, and teachers to discuss the show and address drug issues with their children.
Monson believes that the effects of this campaign will last for years. “If we are able to get this done, I believe we can save the lives of hundreds of children. But, people have to get involved. If you have any influence with city officials or businesses in the area, ask them to support the Saving Our Children Campaign.”
The campaign is not affiliated with any government agency. The Saving Our Children Campaign is funded by individuals who believe in helping children live a drug-free life and businesses who understand the devastation drugs are inflicting on their community and value supporting efforts to make their community a better place.
Monson concluded, “It’s up to you. If you think the government will solve this problem, just ask yourself, how are they doing so far?”
For details about the campaign, get the Saving Our Children Campaign Action Plan.
