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Carole Mikita ReportingUtah ranks third in the nation for methamphetamine use among women between the age of 18 and 34.
The dangerous addiction affects not just the user but also their loved ones.
Gov. Jon Huntsman joined the Utah Methamphetamine Joint Task Force and the Utah Association of Counties today to launch a statewide media campaign to combat the far-reaching effects of meth.
"I think this is going to hit it home. I hope it does because there are so many people out there that need this message," says Amanda Lee, a recovering meth addict.
Lee wants to share her experience and let people know that anyone can fall susceptible to the dangerous drug. She says, "Because it's not your typical drug addict anymore. It does cross over every line, and I feel like I was one of those lines."
The End Meth Now awareness campaign is designed to increase awareness of the problem and let people know of the resources available to help Utahns get help for themselves or someone they love.
TV, radio and print ads will educate the public and let people know the warning signs to look for.
In Utah, the most common users are women and mothers ages 18 to 34 because of pressure to be "supermoms."
Gov. Huntsman feels the first step to helping families get help for their loved ones is to be aware of the dangers. Huntsman says some people say they had no idea what meth could do to them. Others say they just stumbled into it innocently. And other people say they just wanted to feel better about themselves and wanted to lose 10 or 20 pounds.
Margaux Lodge also knows the devastating effects Meth can have on families. Her sister died four years ago next month from complications from meth use; she was 22. Lodge says, "It had a horrible impact. You don't want to expect the worst about your loved ones."
The first TV ad will air this week. For more information on the new campaign, go to the related link.
