TEEN ATTITUDES ON METH ARE SURPRISING

A third of Georgia teens see little to no risk in trying
methamphetamine, and a fifth of them say it's easy to get.

The alarming statistics come from a new statewide survey released this
week by the Georgia Meth Project, a public education campaign aimed at
preventing first-time use.

The 2010 Georgia Meth Use & Attitudes Survey examined the attitudes
and behaviors of teens, young adults, who are just out of high school,
and parents. It was conducted over a period of several months among
samples of 2,432 teens, 314 young adults and 400 parents of teens.

The study found that there is general disapproval of the drug among
teenagers, yet many are clueless about the risk it presents.

Some other results of the study:

One in five (20 percent) of 12- to 24-year-olds says someone has
offered them meth.

39 percent of teens say their friends would not give them a hard time
for using meth.

58 percent of teens say they have never discussed the subject of meth
with their parents.

Many young adults see benefits in using meth. Thirty-two percent of
young adults and 21 percent of teens believe it helps you lose weight;
26 percent of young adults and 17 percent of teens believe it gives
you energy; 23 percent of young adults and 19 percent of teens believe
it will make you feel very happy; and 19 percent of young adults and
16 percent of teens believe it will help you deal with boredom.

During the past five years, meth has become the fastest-growing drug
problem in Atlanta, Dalton and Gainesville, according to the Drug
Enforcement Administration. Atlanta is also recognized as a regional
hub for illegal drug trafficking by Mexican cartels.

Jim Langford, the executive director of the Georgia Meth Project, said
the survey provides a baseline for measuring changes in attitudes and
behaviors of teenagers, young adults and parents going forward.

Armed with $6 million - nearly all from private donors - the Georgia
Meth Project rolled out its advertising campaign this week. It's
slogan "Not Even Once" encourages teens not to experiment with meth.

Experts say the stranglehold meth has on users is practically
unparalleled. It causes the brain to release dopamine at levels four
times greater than cocaine, altering the brain's chemistry and
creating an intense cycle of highs and lows.

"It's a lot more powerful than cocaine and the effect lasts longer,"
said Neil Kaltenecker, executive director of Georgia Council on
Substance Abuse. "Not to mention the caustic materials used to make
the drugs are just toxic."

The Georgia Meth Project is overseen by a national organization called
the Meth Project. Its organizers say similar efforts have proven
successful in Montana, Arizona, Illinois, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and
Hawaii. For more information about the Georgia Meth Project and the
survey, visit www.georgiamethproject.org.