This special program examines the problems associated with the current approach to the war on drugs. The history of drug use and alcohol consumption in the United States is explored, and the relationship between social perception, drug use, and prejudice is discussed. Altered States places the issue of narcotics abuse in a dispassionate, historical context. 'Substance abuse' has always existed in one form or another. In America, drug usage has been cyclical throughout the history of the country; so, too, have been the repetitious attempts by authorities to legislate behavior and incarcerate offenders. ""Altered States was produced as a public outreach complement to a local museum's (The Strong Museum) exhibit of the same title; the exhibit is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institute. ""The success of the televised documentary is measured by public reaction: numerous schools, rehabilitation centers, and even police, have requested permission to use the program for educational purposes. In each case, the historically objective perspective presented in Altered States has provided viewers with the ability to move beyond the stereotypes. For this reason alone, Altered States deserves Peabody consideration.""--1993 Peabody Awards entry form.
