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Expsensive alcohol abuse warning ads are ignored. How about putting the money into alcohol detox? 

The effect of alcohol advertising has been the focus of many recent news headlines, especially the ‘drink responsibly’ part of the ads. Researchers found that these warnings are barely perceived by teenagers and, based on the alarming statistics regarding alcohol abuse by adults, the parents aren’t paying attention either. This is proof positive that you get what you pay for - $4.9 billion is spent on making alcohol look good and $104 million is focused on the downside. Alcohol manufacturers allegedly spend that $104 million to curb alcohol abuse, but you might as well hire Castro to defend your civil rights. Anyone really sincere about ending alcohol abuse would put the money into alcohol detox and rehab.

The National Alcohol Beverages Association of Kenya (Nabak) and the Kenyan government have also come up with a good idea. According to a story in The Standard, they’ve agreed that alcohol cannot be advertised until 8:30 p.m. on TV, and only after 1:00 a.m. on the radio. The ads also cannot contain cartoon or fairy tale characters that would appeal to kids, and alcohol manufacturers can’t sponsor children’s events.

A similar program in the U.S. would definitely reduce the exposure for the kids. Now we just have to work on the adults. I wonder how many people could get through a successful alcohol detox and rehab with $104 million. It could go a long way.

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