For many of us, the upcoming holiday season is a busy, but happy time spent with family. For parents with children addicted to Meth, the holidays are just like any other day, when you fear that you’ll learn your child is arrested, in the hospital or dead. The Meth Project is a nonprofit that is working towards reducing the use of Methamphetamine through powerful messages and community action programs.
I’ve always had open communication with my daughters, by talking about serious topics in a non-threatening manner and by listening. They know that they can tell me anything and that I’ll do all I can to help them. Talking to them about the consequences of their decisions, from not completing homework to trying drugs is part of our discussions. When they have questions or have made mistakes, it’s easier for them to come to me and talk about it because of our past discussions. The Meth Project wants the same thing to happen – open communication. Their website not only provides information, but a place for tweens and teens to Speak Up without judgement.
The Meth Project has created four new, hard-hitting videos directed by Darren Aronofsky, who most recently directed “Black Swan” with Natalie Portman. They are graphic, but there’s no sugar-coating for this nonprofit. Their goal is to share the dangers of Meth.
Note: This is a graphic video that may not be appropriate for children.
Some facts about Meth:
- The majority of US counties report Meth as their most serious drug problem—more often than cocaine and marijuana combined?
- 45 states reported a 90% increase in Meth-related crime from 2004-2007?
- Meth is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant that affects the pleasure centers of the brain.
- Meth is more addictive than heroin.
- Meth can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected.
We can put our focus on our Thanksgiving dinners, our holiday decorations and our families, or we can do something to help prevent someone from trying Meth by sharing the message of The Meth Project, or help someone who is using Meth.
The Meth Project on Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/methproject
The Meth Project on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MethProject
Wow, what a terrific and important cause. Thanks for introducing them to your readers.
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Jessica, thank you for agreeing that it’s important. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share this close to the holidays, but the need is always there.
Thank you for speaking up about this. Meth kills. It not only hurts the addict, but everyone who loves the addict.
It was a tough decision whether or not to share the video on my blog, but I’m glad I did. We need to see the truth as terrible as it is. Thank you for your comment and your insight, Sisterlisa.
I had no clue Meth was such a problem! I guess I’m lucky to be so in the dark on this one. Thanks for educating me on this.
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I’m with you. I had no idea either.
My cousin is meth addicted and what this drug has done to her is awful. I’m so happy you are sharing this and shedding light on such a serious matter.
I’m so sorry to learn about your cousin, Lisa. My goal is to inform others about The Meth Project and the epidemic of meth addiction among our youth.
Connie, thank you for sharing this. When we’re in our own little worlds each day, it’s easy to forget about what’s out there and how people are hurting. I will definitely be following your links to learn more about the cause.
So true, Mary. I saw a documentary about addiction to Meth but it was about adults. That was heartbreaking enough. To know how many teens are addicted is just horrible. I’m grateful that I could educate you.
Oh my. I hadn’t seen that video previously. It is pretty… gruesome. I had no idea this nonprofit existed. I know that meth is a big deal in Southwest Virginia. So, thank you for sharing this.
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Great post Connie. My friend’s daughter is hopefully entering Teen Challenge this week. I have seen first hand the devastation of drug abuse on a family.
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Thanks Connie for the informative post. It really rings true that we want to keep talking to our kids. Thanks for all the information. Such great resources.
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wow. this is some REAL stuff. passing this along, thanks!
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Great post Connie, thanks so much for sharing this with everyone!