Meth Awareness Week Kicks Off November 30

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The first national Meth Awareness Week will be observed Saturday, November 30 through Saturday, December 7 in an effort to combat the abuse and use of methamphetamine. Coordinated by the Meth Project, a large-scale, teen-targeted prevention program of The Partnership at Drugfree.org which aims to significantly reduce meth use through public service messaging, public policy and community outreach, the week will kick off with provocative creative and social content dramatizing the dangerous and devastating effects of meth.

With participation from state partners including Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, the awareness campaign will launch with various local events and enhanced digital media support.

"Meth production, use and resulting addiction have wreaked havoc among individuals, families and communities across our nation," explained The Partnership at Drugfree.org President and CEO, Steve Pasierb. "The launch of Meth Awareness Week is a prime opportunity to engage all sectors of our society to take action to prevent teens and young adults from ever experimenting with meth. While intervention and treatment are vital components to reduce use, prevention is the most effective and efficient step in eliminating the damage done by this destructive drug."

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, methamphetamine is one of the greatest drug threats to the nation. The agency recently reported that the drug is at its highest levels of availability and purity; and lowest cost since 2005 because of increased levels of meth imported from Mexico, and growing rates of small-scale domestic production. RAND estimates methamphetamine costs the country between $16.2 and $48.3 billion per year in treatment, healthcare and foster care services, as well as the costs of crime and lost productivity associated with the drug.

The research-based program has had a profound effect, first in Montana, where teen meth use has dropped 63 percent and meth-related crime has declined by 62 percent. The success of the Montana Meth Project led to its adoption by five additional states that have seen similar results.

To learn more about Meth Awareness Week, visit The Meth Project on Facebook at facebook.com/MethProject, and follow the conversation online at #MethAwarenessWeek.

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org
Ninety percent of addictions start in the teenage years. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is dedicated to solving the problem of teen substance abuse. Together with experts in science, parenting and communications, the nonprofit translates research on teen behavior, addiction and treatment into useful and effective resources for both individuals and communities. Working toward a vision where all young people will be able to live their lives free of drug and alcohol abuse, The Partnership at Drugfree.org works with parents and other influencers to help them prevent and get help for drug and alcohol abuse by teens and young adults. The organization depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector and is thankful to SAG-AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, please call The Parents Toll-Free Helpline at 1-855-DRUGFREE.

SOURCE The Partnership at Drugfree.org