Analysis of news guides on drugs and substance use disorders and suggestion of a media and journalism guide for Turkey

The fundamental problem addressed in this study is the identification of the "amplifying" and "mitigating" roles that the media can assume in relation to the drug issue. In this context, the study aims to develop a media guideline that provides media professionals, particularly journalists, with the necessary knowledge for producing news and other media content related to drug-related issues within the framework of media roles and responsibilities. The overarching objective of the study is to explore how drug-related news should ideally be framed in the media. A qualitative research approach was adopted, and document analysis as well as interview techniques were employed for data collection. The findings of the research indicate that the media can function as both a risk factor and a protective factor in the context of drug-related issues. The way drug use is portrayed in the media, including the narrative structure of news stories and the strategic use of language and visuals, can lead to negative consequences such as misinformation, curiosity stimulation, and stigmatization, potentially triggering the initiation, experimentation, and development of substance addiction. On the other hand, the media plays a crucial role in combating drug-related issues through its functions of informing, educating, and raising awareness. Additionally, it can assume a protective role by promoting addiction-related services and enhancing their accessibility. Based on the findings and recommendations derived from this study, a media and journalism guideline specific to Turkey, titled "The Media and Journalism Guide on Psychoactive Substances and Substance Use Disorders," has been developed. The guideline consists of sections on "journalists' responsibilities, storytelling and news narratives, language use, visual representation, commonly used concepts, and reference sources."