RESOURCES

Methamphetamine abuse leads to devastating medical, psychological, and social consequences. Adverse health effects include memory loss, aggression, psychotic behavior, heart damage, malnutrition, and severe dental problems.

Ask MethProject.org

Ask MethProject.org is an integrated campaign to reduce methamphetamine use. Central to the campaign is MethProject.org—an encyclopedic online source of information about Meth for teens—supported by new television, radio, print, online, mobile, and social media campaigns. A web-centric social network built around the theme "Ask MethProject.org," the campaign challenges teens to consider what they know about Meth, and equips them with facts, tools, and resources to understand the risks of the drug and influence their peers.

MethProject.org provides the immersive, multimedia experience teens have come to expect in the digital world. Organized around getting answers, speaking out, and taking action, MethProject.org addresses teens' most frequently asked questions about the physical, mental, and social effects of Meth use. Each question is answered with a range of content—more than 350 in all—from interactive facts, videos, animations, image galleries, polls and quizzes, to personal stories from users, their friends and family, and first-hand accounts from experts.

MethProject.org is the culmination of six years of campaign development and quantitative and qualitative research conducted with more than 50,000 teens and young adults, including 60 national and statewide surveys, and 112 focus groups.

MethProject.org also serves as a platform for teens to connect and share. In the Speak Up section of the site, teens can post their own messages about Meth through artwork, videos, stories, and photos, as well as comment on other teen submissions. Take Action provides ways for teens to get involved to prevent Meth use or find help, and showcases teen-led community action programs across the country.

REPORTS

2013/2014 Hawaii Meth Use and Attitudes Survey

A statewide survey measuring attitudes and behaviors toward methamphetamine in Hawaii.

Results of the 2013/2014 student survey revealed optimistic trends regarding anti-Meth behaviors and attitudes, demonstrating the positive impact that Hawaii Meth Project has on many students. Students were more aware of the anti-Meth message through advertisements as well as participation in Hawaii Meth Project educational presentations and outreach booths. Perceived accessibility of Meth declined, as well as the percentage of students who were offered Meth. More students agree that Meth is dangerous, even for one-time use, and social disapproval of Meth use among peers continues to rise at 96%. This shift in attitudes resonates throughout teen behaviors, as students reported lower rates of Meth use among close friends and family.

Read Report

Reducing Demand for Crystal Meth in Hawaii: “Ohana” Involvement

Exploratory case study researching whether a parental outreach program can assist in preventing first-time Meth use in Hawaii children.

This study interviewed Hawaii parents with teenage children to examine their knowledge of the effects of Meth use and the tools they use to discuss these effects with their children. Majority of participants were very familiar with the negative consequences of Meth use, reported discussing Meth with their children, and felt confident in their knowledge about Meth. The author discussed ways in which parental guidance, based primarily on indirect knowledge gained from the media and personal experience, can be supplemented with educational, research-based presentations by organizations like the Hawaii Meth Project. Although constant dialogue between parents and teens regarding Meth is helpful, the information presented by parents must be factual and believable in order to have a lasting impact on teens.

Read Report

EDUCATION TOOLS

Meth Prevention Lesson

The Meth Prevention Lesson provides teens in middle and high schools with the facts, tools, and resources to understand the risks of methamphetamine and to influence their peers. This standard-based lesson leverages MethProject.org and provides teachers with engaging, easy-to-use materials to lead a 45-minute class.

After the class, students will understand:
  • The short- and long-term effects associated with methamphetamine use
  • The danger and toxicity of the ingredients in Meth
  • The mechanisms of Meth addiction
  • 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 Meth Prevention Lesson employs 4 central instructional strategies:
  • "What Do You Know" Worksheet - Six statements to engage students and get them to think about what they know about Meth
  • Interactive Content - Interactive facts, personal stories, and videos present information from a variety of perspectives
  • Discussion Questions - Open-ended and specific questions spur classroom discussion
  • Peer Engagement and Advocacy - Exercises designed to equip teens with information and tools to take action and influence their peers

At the beginning of the 45-minute lesson students will test their knowledge of Meth with the 6-statement "What Do You Know" Worksheet. The class then will explore these 6 statements through discussion of selected content on MethProject.org.

Teacher Materials

  • Lesson Overview: a one-page summary of the Meth Prevention Lesson
  • Teacher's Guide: step-by-step instructions for the teacher to lead students through an exploration of each topic. The guide includes instructions on the most impactful content on MethProject.org and suggested discussion questions

Student Handouts

  • What Do You Know: a one-page handout for students to reflect on 6 statements to gauge their knowledge of methamphetamine
  • What Do You Know: teacher key

Supplemental Materials

  • Youth360 (wreckED) - a community-based program designed to educate youth about substance abuse through an engaging presentation meant to challenge their behavior toward drugs and alcohol. The program provides the opportunity for teens to fully reflect upon the choices and consequences associated with alcohol and drug abuse and to continually keep themselves and their friends in check.
  • arrow.png Launch the Youth360 site.
  • Optional 3-Day Lesson - 3-Day version of the Teacher Guide that includes group projects
Launch the Meth Prevention Lesson Website

GET HELP

RESOURCES

Hawaii Meth Project works to prevent first-time Meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach. However, Hawaii Meth Project is not a crisis management agency. If you are concerned someone you care about is using Meth and needs help, consult the resources below to find a treatment facility or support group near you.

If you suspect that someone you care about is an immediate danger to themselves or others, do not hesitate to contact 911.

WARNING SIGNS OF METH USE

Recognizing the signs of Meth use is a first step in intervention. If the person you are concerned about is exhibiting a majority of the behaviors described below, they may need your help. Not every user will display all of these symptoms and other illicit drugs may also cause similar behaviors.

Signs may include:

  • Changes in physical appearance including deteriorating hair, skin, or teeth
  • Obsessively picking at hair or skin
  • Excessive sweating that's not from heat or physical activity
  • Letting themselves go physically, and not showering or caring how they look
  • Decreased appetite and unhealthy weight loss
  • Dilated pupils and rapid eye movement
  • Unusual or foul body odor; some may smell like ammonia
  • Burn marks on fingers or mouth
  • Strange sleeping patterns; staying up for days or even weeks
  • Jerky, erratic movements, twitching, facial tics, animated, or exaggerated mannerisms and incessant talking
  • Does repetitive, meaningless tasks like disassembling electronics or other household items for no apparent reason
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia like glass pipes, burnt spoons, cutoff straws, or needles
  • Borrowing money often, selling possessions, or stealing
  • Angry outbursts, mood swings, or overall change in attitude
  • Acting paranoid or talking about being in danger, even though there is no reason to feel threatened
  • Psychotic behavior characterized by paranoia and hallucinations
If you suspect that someone you care about is an immediate danger to themselves or others, do not hesitate to contact 911.

HAWAII METH PROJECT

Thank your for your interest in the Hawaii Meth Project. For more information on how you can become involved in our work against Meth, visit the Get Involved page or contact us directly.

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