New Survey Data Demonstrates Effectiveness of MethProject.org
DENVER, Colo. (Sept. 10, 2013) — The Colorado Meth Project in collaboration with 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 schools across Colorado.
The Meth Prevention Lesson is designed for use 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.
New research from a survey of those who visited the methproject.org 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 data confirms: The number of teens who perceived “great risk” in using meth once or twice increased by 38 percent after visiting the website.
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.
“Methamphetamine use in Colorado is considerably higher than the national average and the devastating effects make it a major health, welfare and crime threat throughout the state” said John Suthers, Colorado Attorney General. “Potent, low-cost meth is readily available in Colorado, so educating teens about the risks is crucial. With the Colorado Meth Project’s Meth Prevention Lesson, teachers can facilitate open discussions about the harmful effects of meth use.” The Meth Prevention Lesson is currently being used in 45 schools across Colorado. According to Stephanie Rosch at Scott Carpenter Middle School in Denver, “Our previous drug prevention curriculum was so ‘cheesy’ that the kids just checked out. The content from MethPreventionLesson.org is so powerful it grabs the kids’ attention, and provides us with a strong platform to discuss the critical, issues surrounding Meth and other drugs.” After attending the Meth Prevention Lesson, Colorado students will understand:
Since its inception, the Colorado Meth Project has worked with approximately 5400 students in 45 schools throughout Colorado to educate teens on the dangers of methamphetamine. The Colorado Meth Project will use this network of reach to encourage schools and educators to consider incorporating the newly revised Meth Prevention Lesson into their drug prevention curriculum. “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 on a national level 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.”
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 riseaboveco.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.
About the Colorado Meth Project
The Colorado Meth Project is a non-profit organization that implements large-scale, research-based campaigns and community action programs to reduce methamphetamine use in the state. Central to its integrated campaigns is MethProject.orgÑa definitive source for information about meth for teens. The Colorado Meth Project is affiliated with The Partnership at Drugfree.org, a national non-profit organization working to help families solve the problem of teen substance abuse. For more information, visit Colorado.MethProject.org.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Carolann Samuels
GroundFloor Media
(303) 775-9282
csamuels@groundfloormedia.com
Kent MacLennan
Rise Above Colorado
(720) 425-4200
kent@riseabovecolorado.org