Emphasizing that drug abuse is not limited to the poor and minorities, the narrator interviews three white, middle-class teenagers about their drug use patterns and decisions to enter treatment programs. In addition to emotional distress and thoughts of suicide experienced by these individuals, the interviews reveal the impact of drug abuse on families. Highlights of Washington, D.C.'s serious drug abuse problems emphasize that rampant drug trafficking sends the message to young people that drug dealing is the fastest way to succeed. Also discussed are ties between drugs and crime and the impact of drugs in the workplace. The video portrays widespread corruption and violence in countries such as Columbia which can be directly attributed to Americans' demand for drugs. The effects of PCP, crack, marijuana, and designer drugs on the human brain are shown. The video emphasizes that research conducted in the 1970's which concluded minor drug use was not harmful is now considered erroneous, and that even casual illicit drug use is morally irresponsible.