Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause

Most Americans are unaware of the science behind the damaging effects of illegal drugs on the mind and body, or of the other tremendous costs associated with the production, sale and use of illegal drugs. The costs to society... estimated at more than $180 billion a year... are born by all of us in some way. Despite the fact that the vast majority of Americans are not drug users, we pay for users’ lost productivity, their health care, criminal justice costs, child welfare costs, and the impact their drug use has on our own health and safety. This exhibit is designed to open eyes to the science behind illegal drug addiction and the myriad costs of illegal drugs... to individuals, American society and the world–and to provide food for thought on how each and every one of us can make a difference.

Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause looks at the story of drug abuse from initial production to the profound impact it has on all of us. Open your eyes to the science behind illegal drug abuse and addiction and explore the many costs and consequences to individuals, American society and the world.

FOX 11 is proud to be the media partner of this eye-opening exhibit, which will be at the California Science Center until May 2009. We'll be adding videos, educational resources and other special content to this page throughout that period... so check back again!

Target America Exhibit Videos

Behind the Scenes at the Target America Exhibit (10/1) The DEA is very involved in teaching the public about the dangers of illegal drugs. That’s the goal behind an unusual and powerful exhibit opening at the California Science Center in LA’s Exposition Park. Bob Decastro has a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibit in this video report.

DEA's Target America Exhibit Coming to the California Science Center (9/24) An exhibit opening at the California Science Center in Exposition Park will give people a sneak peek at a powerful public service announcement. It's about the dangers of drugs, and it's aimed at families to get them talking. Phil Shuman has the story in this video report.

Related Stories and Videos on MyFOX Los Angeles

"Operation Candystore" Targets Alleged Marijuana, Ecstasy Traffickers (9/30) A two-year investigation into drug trafficking between Canada and the United States, dubbed Operation Candystore, ended with the arrests of seven people allegedly linked to a binational drug-trafficking ring that imported ecstasy and marijuana from Canada to the United States and sent cocaine to its northern neighbor. Ed Laskos has the video report. .

Mexico's War on Drug Cartels: A Report from the Frontlines (7/25) Mexico's war on drug cartels is engulfing the country in a military-style war with gun battles in the streets and police officials being assassinated. FOX 11 sent producers to the heart of the battle in Mexico. As John Schwada reports, it's the ordinary citizens who are being caught in the middle.

Police: Drug Cartels Crossing Mexican Border to Kidnap Americans (5/14) Mexican police say drug cartels are now in the kidnapping business, and not just in Mexico. Highly-organized groups are apparently crossing the border to grab Americans for ransom. FOX 11's John Schwada has the investigation in this video report.

Target America: Exhibit Highlights

View an actual jungle coca processing lab discovered and confiscated in South America, and a recreated Afghan heroin factory. Get an in-depth look at drug production, trafficking and money laundering over time from trading opium on the Silk Road in the 1800s to the Columbian cocaine trade that exists today.

Lay inside a simulated MRI machine to view scans of a normal brain versus an addicted brain. Learn the current science of the terrible toll drugs take on the body and how MRI machines are helping scientists uncover the secrets of addiction and recovery.

Hear true stories of addiction and recovery from addicts themselves.

View actual wreckage from a drug-related car accident, a tenement crack-house, and the bedroom of a young teen that has accessed a Web site that sells illegal drugs and reflect on the impact of drugs on our communities.

In a newly expanded section, explore the Southern California Story and learn the history and current science of detection, enforcement, prevention and treatment specific to our local communities:

Drugs in Southern California: 1900-2008
Turn the dial on a 4-screen video display to explore the history of illegal drug use in Southern California. See how the supply and demand of illegal drugs has changed over time. Examine how law enforcement, drug treatment and prevention programs have evolved in response.

 

Hoop Nightmares
Play a wacky basketball game that gives you a sense of temporary memory loss first-hand, as you learn about the latest research from UCLA scientists on the effects of drugs in the brain.

 

Wiretapping
Speak into a wiretapped microphone and see your unique voice print. Learn about innovative technology pioneered in Southern California and view footage of drug enforcers and wiretaps in action.

 

Junior Special Agent: Drug Bust!
Through an immersive theater experience, ride along with seasoned Southern California drug enforcement officers on a simulated drug bust. Discover the science, technology and skill of surveillance and apprehension.

 

Wheel of Misfortune
Spin the Wheel of Misfortune and see the various risks drug addicts face. If you’re lucky enough to land in Rehab, spin the Wheel of Recovery and see what your chances are for long-term recovery. Find what treatment options are available throughout Southern California.

Note: Due to images and content that may be too intense for small children, the California Science Center advises parental discretion when bringing young children to this exhibit.