After contrasting legal and illegal drugs, the video emphasizes that advertising, movies, records, and videos in today's society treat drug abuse casually and send the incorrect message that drug use is okay. Similarly, information based on street gossip and experience is unreliable. Government controls to insure the purity and safety of legal drugs are compared to lack of any control over the content or manufacture of illegal drugs. While ill people routinely ask their doctors questions about prescribed drugs, users of illegal drugs do not inquire about the chemistry and side-effects of such substances. The video comments that young people have to decide whether to say no and that they should not make that decision on bad information. Comments from Federal Government officials and teenagers from drug treatment programs reinforce the 'just say no' theme. Finally, Winfield says that people with self-discipline, a positive self-image, a realistic view of their goals, and reliable information about drugs 'say no.'