State of the art: Media coverage of drug consumption

Abstract

Introduction: Media coverage of drugs influences public perception and policymaking. The media's treatment of this phenomenon has sparked intense academic debate due to its impact on people affected by drug dependence, as it often reinforces stigma and overlooks associated human complexities. Objective: To analyze academic literature on the media coverage of drug use, identifying the theoretical-historical framework and examining empirical trends over the last fifteen years in traditional media. Methodology: A narrative literature review was conducted. The search was performed in databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, RedALyC, and Dialnet. Results: The evidence reveals a predominance of a sensationalist approach focused on crime and fear, to the detriment of public health perspectives. This pattern is observed across media in Spain, the United States, and Latin America. Discussion: The findings confirm the application of framing and agenda-setting theories, where media select and prioritize punitive frameworks. This coverage contributes to stigmatization and legitimizes ineffective public policies. Conclusions: Improving the quality of media coverage is essential to reduce stigma and promote a public health approach by providing balanced information that reflects the diverse realities of consumers.