Awareness Campaign Targets Teen Drug Abuse

Stopping teenage drug use and strengthening antidrug attitudes is the message of the Tennessee health education campaign. Launched by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), in conjunction with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the Methamphetamine Health Education Campaign is a 2-year media initiative centered on reducing substance abuse among adolescents. The program will address both teens and parents about the dangers of methamphetamine and club drug use. Prior to the program's launch in Tennessee, the campaign was pilot-tested in St. Louis, Mo, and in Phoenix, Ariz, with positive results.

Tennessee was chosen to implement the statewide program based on the rate of methamphetamine abuse in the state. "Experience has proven that focusing exclusively on the drug cartels and small toxic labs hasn't worked; it's time to focus squarely on reducing the demand for this dangerous and addictive drug," said Linda A. Suydam, DPA, CHPA president. "The cold, hard reality is that even occasional use of [this drug] can result in harm."