01/23/08

A report released by the 'Idaho Meth Project' says that many teens see little or "no" risk in trying methamphetamine. But an ongoing public service campaign hopes to change that attitude.

Last September, more than 3000 junior and senior high school students were asked about methamphetamine. About 1 in 4 students said they believed meth could make them happy, and help them lose weight.

Jose Deniz, CSI student says, "I think that's exactly it. They're just not educated into exactly what it does to your body and now it deteriorates you. If they were to get some information or knowledge on it, they would probably think differently."

Idaho Department of Corrections Director Brent Reinke says “This survey proves that many Idaho teens don't understand the dangers of meth.”

That's why the 'Idaho Meth Project' is doing a radio and television public service campaign, to show what methamphetamine really does to the human body.

Lindsey Jensen, CSI Student says, "It was something I was never really brought up around. I avoided it at all costs, because of goals in my life revolving around sports and academics."

The Idaho Department of Corrections says out of 2000 female offenders - more than 80 percent say that methamphetamine was their drug of choice.

Tim Wood, a former meth user says, "Yes, it's very addictive. You don't even realize that you are addicted. I went through many, many years without even believing I was addicted to it. But meth is a lie, and that's all it is, and that's all it will ever be. So don't ever do meth.”

Jay Michaels, KMVT News.