MethProject.org gives facts about drug addiction and helps teens and parents answer tough questions

I usually try to keep my blog upbeat and playful but today I want to just take a few minutes to talk about a very serious subject. One that as a parent I have to have on my mind quite a bit. As a mom of a teenager and a tween, I have two children who are exposed to things I’d rather they weren’t every day. It’s no secret that our area is a hot spot for drug use.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, “Northwest Pennsylvania has become the Meth capital of Pennsylvania”.^*source

This is a sad horrible fact that worries me deeply. The dangers of the Methamphetamine drugs use are not only to the users themselves, but also to the communities, children and families in the surrounding area. The toxins created by making Methamphetamine pollutes our air, our water, our land and our quality of life. Not to mention the worry about possible explosions from unknown Meth labs.  

Did you know that the majority of US counties report Meth as their most serious drug problem—more often than cocaine and marijuana combined? Or how about the fact that 45 states reported a 90% increase in Meth-related crime from 2004-2007? 

Drugs can be a hard subject to bring up and talk about with your children, I know I struggle sometimes to find the right words to say when I encourage my children to stay drug-free. As a parent though, it is necessary to make sure they are educated about the dangers associated with not only using drugs, but hanging out with others who do. 

To help parents, and children become more informed, MethProject.org has created a powerful campaign to create awareness and educate the public on drug abuse, addiction and awareness. This interactive site is certainly not all roses and lollipops. It gives the facts and it gives them to you straight without unnecessary embellishment. Drug abuse and addiction is no laughing matter. MethProject.org will give you and your children the facts in a way that makes it real. Teens can also share stories in the “Speak Up” section, there are some very inspirations stories, music and art submissions in this section that may help spark a conversation with your teen.

One of the other important subjects that MethProject.org is trying to get out there, is the dangers of using Methamphetamine. The graphic and dramatic Meth Project video ads they have created as part of the campaign, will leave an impression on you and your teen. I’d advise you to please watch them by yourself first so that you are prepared for any questions or strong feelings they may create for your child.

All four ads were directed by Darren Aronofsky, who most recently directed “Black Swan” with Natalie Portman. In “Losing Control,” a teenage boy reflects on how his Meth addiction has driven him to steal from his family and turn violent on his little brother.

Please, talk to your kids, ask them questions, give them answers no matter how hard it is, be aware and alert. We are all in this fight against drugs together and together we can make a difference!