Preventing sensationalistic science and fake news about substance use

Excerpt

An accurately informed public is vital to creating rational substance use, prevention, and treatment policies. Unfortunately, the general public neither has the training nor the time to conduct intensive investigations. Most people get their information via the news media, newsletters, and as sound bites. People often accept what they read as true, especially if it comes from a reasonably reputable source and do not question the information however astounding or alarming. It is easy to forget the adage, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” To make matters worse, people may tend to repeat the more remarkable information, regardless of how accurate it is. …