I am currently involved in a consulting project dealing with the feasibility of implementing an anti-meth campaign in Utah comparable to that used in Montana. Our assessment will determine the investment and campaign strategy used by the financier.
As we have begun our preliminary research to assess the problem in Utah, I have been shocked at how terrible and dangerous this drug is. It is highly addictive, and the effects are tragic.
I have wondered how housewives get into using meth, and can only think that perhaps they begin with abusing OTC medications (i.e. Sudafed), which contain primary ingredients used to cook meth. That use could then lead down a slippery slope their first meth use and subsequent addiction. (I think there's a ridiculously high addiction rate on first use - something like 99.8%.)
Check out these sites for further information on how dangerous and terrifying the meth problem is: a PBS documentary, and Utah's current campaign.
6 comments:
Meth honestly scares me to death because of how addictive it is. They say that many become addicted to meth with their first use. Makes you think a lot about trying to teach your kids as much as possible to help them stand up to the peer pressure that will come.
I've been told that meth makes you more productive than you can be alone. That's why housewives start using - because they get more energy and can do more and feel like they're better wives. Then it takes more to get the same level of energy..and then more..
I totally agree that Meth is scary....but this is an honest question, how is a billboard going to prevent someone from using?
I have drivin to Montana and seen those silly, over-the-top, even gross billboards and just don't get it. What does the research say about it? Does the literature show that the billboard saying, "I never though I'd lose my virginity here"--showing a picture of a passed out girl in a nasty bathroom stall--prevent young children from using? Does it wake up those using and make them want to stop?
I'm not at all making fun of your project--but I have made fun of those billboards with my family members as we've traveled through Montana. So do tell what the research says specifically about billboard campaigns.
I'm sorry to take a slightly less serious note, but let's just agree that meth is a serious issue. However, I find it interesting that they made the brain a tie-dye kind of image. Just sayin. Sorry.
Interesting project, and Utah definately has a history with this drug.
Hey Andrea, I agree that the scare tactics are over the top, and they end up being ridiculous rather than effective. (Utah laws could actually prohibit billboards like that here - that's one part of the project we have to consider in our analysis.) I think we all remember the egg in the frying pan and "this is your brain on drugs" campaign - who really knows what that did besides make for good jokes at breakfast.
Anyway, your question is very valid - we have discussed the subject often in our meetings. I really wasn't clear about the scope of our project, and it is in the beginning stages (we started two weeks ago). I haven't read all of the literature, but I believe the campaign in Montana goes beyond the billboards. This is the article that the Peery Foundation wanted us to consider: http://www.ssireview.org/articles/entry/catalytic_philanthropy/ (not a lot of info, but I'll keep you updated).
And, Adi - how can you not love the tie-died brain? It adds to the whole psychedelic mood of meth and drugs in general.
Ryan: My HS friend who's with Teach for America in San Fran would love to be in touch with you. Her name is Leslie Garner and her e-mail address is lesliegarner@gmail.com. Good luck :D
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