The Partnership at Drugfree.org Re-Launches The Meth Project's School-Based Meth Prevention Resource

~New User Survey Data Demonstrates MethPreventionLesson.org Proven Effective~

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Partnership at Drugfree.org today launched a new, improved meth prevention lesson accessible at MethPreventionLesson.org. The newly revised online resource is a free, comprehensive tool specifically created for educators and is currently being utilized in public and private schools in select states across the country.

The meth prevention lesson is designed to be delivered in middle and high schools with the goal of reaching teens between the ages 12-17. This standard lesson leverages key prevention information from MethProject.org and provides teachers with engaging, easy-to-use materials to lead a 45-minute class, including interactive facts, videos, animations and image galleries. MethProject.org also features personal stories from users, their friends, family, and first-hand accounts from experts.

"The strengthened and revised lesson brings to life the health risks of methamphetamine use and the breadth of research on this dangerous drug in a way that is highly interactive, and engaging to young people," said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of the Partnership at Drugfree.org. "The materials have already been shown to be popular with educators and useful in school settings to address teens' most frequently asked questions about the effects of meth, while facilitating a way to get involved, take action and speak out about meth use."

New User Survey Proving MethPreventionLesson.org Effective
New research from a user survey of those who visited the website shows that the materials are proving effective in making teens more aware of the risks of using meth.  The survey concludes that visiting MethProject.org increases teens' perceptions of risks for using meth.  The new data confirms that:

• The number of teens who perceived "great risk" in using meth once or twice increased by 38 percent after visiting the website (66 percent pre-exposure to 91 percent post-exposure). 
• Nearly nine in ten teens already perceived "great risk" in using meth regularly, however this proportion increased by 11 percent after visiting the web resource (87 percent pre-exposure to 97 percent post-exposure). 
• Teens who visited MethProject.org became more aware of the specific risks of using meth, including tooth decay, deteriorating mental and physical health, becoming addicted and losing self-control.
• Teens who did not visit the website did not experience a significant increase in perceived risk levels.

After attending the Meth Prevention Lesson, students will understand:

• The short and long-term effects associated with methamphetamine use
• The danger and toxicity of the ingredients in meth
• Why meth is so addictive
• The effects of meth on the brain, body, relationships, and the community
• The risks of trying meth, even once
• How to communicate the risks of meth to their peers and take action to prevent meth use

"The biggest thing that comes to mind, pertaining to the effectiveness of the Meth Prevention Lesson, is its ability to reach students from all walks of life. Although my students tend to be from a higher socio-economic status, their ability to engage in this lesson, as something real to them, was clear. Discussion and interaction with the kids throughout the lesson was easy and effective with the step-by-step setup of the lesson," said Michael Crockett, a middle school Science teacher in Missoula, Montana.

In 2013, The Partnership at Drugfree.org expanded its role as a cause leader providing evidence-based solutions to adolescent substance use disorders. With the acquisition of The Meth Project, The Partnership at Drugfree.org has extended its commitment of more than a decade to push back against meth. While the resources of The Meth Project are available nationally, six states currently maintain comprehensive state campaigns of The Meth Project including Montana, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho and Wyoming.  

For more information please visit MethProject.org.

Survey Methodology
The website evaluation research took place in late March and early April, 2012.  A total of 146 teens (12- to 17-year-olds) were sampled to participate in this research after receiving parental permission.  These teens were randomly assigned to one of three groups: two experimental groups (5-minute and 10-minute exposure to the MethProject.org website), and a control group (5-minute exposure to a popular gaming site).  Their exposure to MethProject.org was unguided and spontaneous – respondents could personally view any information or stories of interest to them on the site during their visit. Nearly identical pre-exposure and post-exposure questionnaires were administered to the three groups, with the two experimental groups asked additional questions about the MethProject.org website itself in the post-exposure survey.

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.

SOURCE The Partnership at Drugfree.org