Youth Against Meth

Gr 7 Up—Using testimonials and re-enactments, this program shows the deadly consequences of methamphetamine use and what is being done in one state to reach out to youth and stop the abuse of this drug. The film focuses on the meth epidemic in Montana and the Meth Project, a national nonprofit organization created to combat the problem and prevent first-time use of the drug. Teens are shown producing a campaign to promote "Not Even Once" when it comes to meth. Some local youth created digital images of attractive pre-meth teens, graphically transforming their images into scabby, toothless post-meth users. Some teens participated in the Paint the State project, creating art that discouraged meth use. Others expressed their opposition to the drug's use by boarding 41 buses headed to the state capital to march against meth. Former teen addicts speak about the addictiveness of meth and the extent to which addicts will go to get more of the drug. The Montana Meth Project campaign was so effective that teen use of methamphetamine was reduced by 45 percent, and the project has been adopted by six other states (Idaho, Montana, Illinois, Wyoming, Arizona, and Colorado). Even the most skeptical teens will think twice before trying meth after viewing this film. The message—"Don't mess with meth"—comes across loud and clear.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA