“Is there anyone out there who still isn’t clear about what doing drugs does? Okay, last time.”
“This is your brain. This is drugs. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?”
Actually, yes. Can I get mine over easy? Or is it easy over – I can never remember.
All jokes aside, if you were a parent in the late eighties or early nineties, you remember this ad all too well. Arguably the most famous commercial to come from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, it caused confusion and concern amongst parents and children alike. The PSA become notoriously synonymous with 80’s culture but not for the reason the non-profit would have hoped. No one was quite sure what a fried egg had to do with the effects of drugs on your brain. Quite frankly, we still aren’t.
In celebration of the original ad’s 30-year anniversary, The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids has launched a new campaign entitled “Fried Egg 2016” that is aimed toward the parent of today. An ode to the egg, if you will.
Yes, the egg is still present in the modern-day version of your brain on drugs, which according to Rebecca Shaw, Director of Advertising and Production for the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, is a nod to the once iconic 1980’s TV spot.
“‘Fried Egg 2016″ is a nod to the Partnership’s iconic TV spot from the 1980s, but is re-envisioned to reflect parenting today and the change in perceptions and awareness about drug use.”
Emmy Award-winning actress and recovery activist, Allison Janney does the voiceover using the same script but this time, we move past the “Any questions?” line and onto the pressing questions that kids will actually ask. “Did you ever try drugs?” “Weed is legal, right?” “Why is heroin so addictive?” The ad encourages parents to “be ready” because “they will ask.”
“The new campaign focuses on the litany of drug questions that parents face from their teens, and it also shows how the Partnership has evolved to meet the needs of families. We understand just how difficult this subject can be for parents who are facing it head on and we’re here with answers, help and guidance.”
If you can get past the whole egg in the frying pan distraction, the questions that are asked and the prevention and addiction resources that are being made available to the public are what is most important to note. In the wake of the drug epidemic, these are questions that need to be asked and even for those who aren’t parents, we should all be prepared to answer them with the right information.
“Given the complexities that surround substance abuse today, including the legalization of marijuana, prescription medicine abuse and heroin, coupled with the daily, tragic headlines on overdose deaths, kids today have very specific questions they ask of their parents,” said Kristi Rowe, Chief Marketing Officer for the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. “These topics are all front and center for teens, so we want to ensure that families have a place to turn to get those answers. We know too, that there are families who are past the question and answer stage, and whose kids are struggling with a substance use disorder.”
What do you think about the updated PSA? Do you think they nailed it this time around? Share with us in the comments below or come chat with us over on The Discovery House Facebook Page.