Prevention ads are working in Montana

Keeping young teens from trying drugs is such a daunting task.

Our federal government has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into prevention campaigns in recent years, but it doesn't seem to be making a difference. I've had conversations with my addicted son over the years about how to keep kids from experimenting with drugs, and he didn't have a pat answer.

Now, businessman and Montana rancher Tom Siebel has come along and gotten involved in the fight. When he learned how serious the methamphetamine problem had become in that state, he decided to do something about it.

The Montana Meth Project was born. Compelling TV public service announcements have "significantly reduced first-time use" and helped reduce meth use overall in that state. And I'm really glad to hear the state of Arizona has also begun to air these startling TV spots.

They're the most graphic, in-your-face prevention spots I've ever seen. Learn more about the project and take a look yourself. Do you think they're effective?

I hope other states buy into them and through their airing, we can begin to chip away at the horrifying statistics related to meth use. And spare families from the pain and agony of an addicted child.

https://www.montanameth.org/index.php

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A bright spot on the meth front

So, USA Today has reported that progress is being made against the manufacturing of methamphetamine in the U.S.

The good news: a 58% drop in meth labs and abandoned sites seized last year by police and U.S. agents, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Apparently the state and federal laws that restrict the sale of cold medicines and other chemicals used in the manufacture of meth, as well as increased law enforcement, are making the big difference.

The bad news: use, prices and supplies remain the same. Sources in Mexico are flooding our country with this highly addictive drug--about 80 to 90% is imported.

Some 512,000 people in the U.S. use meth regularly. In 2005, a survey of law enforcement officials identified methamphetamine as their biggest illegal drug problem--surpassing cocaine, heroin and marijuana. It's driving up crime across the country.

When are people going to take a stand against this hideous drug? Have you felt the effects of the meth epidemic? Let me know what you've seen and how you've been affected.

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