ABSTRACT
An important component in any “drug” education program is information. Professionals, especially doctors, are perceived to be good sources for drug information. The major source for information given by the respondents was friends, peers, users of the drugs in question. Media messages should be carefully assessed as to which target responds best to which medium and then establish trustworthiness. The users generally reported that they trusted the information from friends or doctors; while the non-users said that they trusted the media or health professionals. Youthful users reported that other users or ex-users were the most credible when it came to drug information while the youthful non-users referred to scientists, doctors or the media. The adult users said that professionals were most credible and adult non-users quoted the media. The professional adults reported that they would first go to other professionals for information on drugs, then the mass media – magazines, and periodicals.
