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Richard Piatt Reporting More people are using methamphetamine than ever before in Utah. The problem is so bad, the state plans to invest what could be millions in a major public relations campaign. But what will such a campaign look like? And what will it accomplish?
Forty-year old Jodi walks with confidence today, but a few years ago she was caught in the revolving door of methamphetamine use. Today she enjoys little things more, like walking past a garden, but it's still easy to remember the way things were for her.
Jodi, Recovering Meth user: "I would absolutely say I was addicted to meth."
Across Utah, there are tens of thousands of people just like Jodi -- people who, at some point, fool themselves into thinking the euphoric feel from meth won't catch up with them.
In fact, Meth is far and away a drug of choice. Far more people are using meth than any other illegal drug these days. That's why states like Montana are using a public relations campaign.
TV, billboard and radio ads are in-your-face graphic, touched with the grim reality of Meth use. The ads are getting close scrutiny from people in the State Capitol down to the local town halls. A large, Utah task force wants some kind of campaign--either like Montana's or not---soon.
Brent Gardner, Utah Assoc of Counties: "They want this problem dealt with immediately. This is a problem that is out of control at the local level, in terms of use."
Jodi hopes the campaign shows the downside of meth, but realistically.
Jodi, Recovering Meth Addict: "You can't just tell children something is all bad, because they're smarter than that. They know if all these people are doing it, there must be something to it. I think you need to be honest with them, which means telling them about the euphoria, and then showing them the consequences of that."
There are strong feelings that another part of the campaign needs to offer hope. People do beat met, a tough but doable fight for life.
