Pubdate: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 Source: Tulsa World (OK) Copyright: 2009 World Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.tulsaworld.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/463 Author: David Schulte Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) OKLAHOMA TARGETING METH ABUSE A Documentary About The Drug's Dangers Will Be Shown Jan. 13 On Most TV Channels. SURVIVING DARKNESS A statewide campaign is under way to fight methamphetamine abuse in Oklahoma. On Jan. 13, most Oklahoma television channels will broadcast the documentary "Crystal Darkness Oklahoma," aimed at increasing methamphetamine awareness and prevention in communities. The 30-minute documentary is modeled after methamphetamine campaigns in California, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona. Wes Lane, the co-chairman of the campaign and a former Oklahoma County district attorney, said the documentary features testimonies from methamphetamine addicts who have been sent to prison, as well as from family members who have lost loved ones because of abuse of the illegal drug. "It's going to be a powerful message on the impact that methamphetamine has made in our communities, and it's a message of hope that if we come together, we can fight back," he said. Campaign Co-Chairwoman Kim Henry, the state's first lady, echoed Lane's support for a methamphetamine campaign that not only educates people about the danger of the drug but provides assistance for those seeking treatment. "Oklahoma has made tremendous strides in fighting the epidemic of methamphetamine, but far too many families across our state still struggle with this powerful and deadly drug," Henry said. "Crystal Darkness Oklahoma" will highlight education, prevention, recovery and hope to let folks know that their life can get back on track." Lane said organizations, schools, community centers and churches from across the state are hosting watch parties to help promote the event. On the night the documentary airs, call centers will be set up to help people who think they or a loved one needs help. People can call 2-1-1 that night and during the days that follow to receive assistance, Lane said. They can also call to report any suspected methamphetamine activity in their communities. Despite anti-meth laws that were passed in 2004 to limit individuals' ability to purchase pseudoephedrine - a key ingredient in producing methamphetamine - abuse of the drug continues. "What we are seeing with methamphetamine is that it is the most addictive and most violent drug on the streets," Henry said. "One experimental use of the drug can become addictive." Although tougher state laws have decreased the production of the drug by meth labs in Oklahoma by 95 percent since 2004, it is still smuggled into the state, mostly from Mexico and parts of California, said Mark Woodward, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control. As a result, methamphetamine remains "one of the top three drugs of choice" in the state, said Jessica Hawkins, the director of prevention services for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. In most communities, methamphetamine users rank only behind alcohol and marijuana users in the number of people who have received substance-abuse treatment, she said. Studies indicate that the drug is a greater problem in Oklahoma than in other states. Methamphetamine use in Oklahoma is approximately 42 percent higher than the national average, Woodward said. He identified two major reasons why the drug remains a problem for law enforcement and drug prevention agencies: its relatively cheap price and is greater addictive power. An addict's pursuit of an intense high from meth can come at a tremendous cost, however. Methamphetamine abuse can destroy the brain's pleasure receptors, which can cause the person to suffer from depression, studies show. Severe bouts of depression have even caused some addicts to claim that they need large doses just to feel normal. Phase 2 Phase 2 of the campaign, involving statewide drug-awareness education and training for schools, parents and community groups, begins after the documentary airs Jan. 13. Law enforcement agencies will also continue their efforts to stop the production and distribution of methamphetamine. "Oklahoma took a historic step forward by the passing the country's toughest anti-meth legislation, and numerous states followed," Henry said. "Now we have "Crystal Darkness Oklahoma," which has the power to ignite a grass-roots movement and gives Oklahomans the chance to make a difference in their own community." SURVIVING DARKNESS "Crystal Darkness Oklahoma," a statewide campaign that features a 30-minute documentary aimed at preventing methamphetamine abuse. The documentary airs at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 on most Oklahoma television channels. It features testimonials of people who have survived methamphetamine addiction. WHERE TO WATCH Organizations, including schools, churches, businesses and clubs, can host watch parties for people to gather to view "Crystal Darkness Oklahoma." To schedule a watch party, go to www.crystaldarknessoklahoma.org. Tulsa watch parties include: Tulsa Community College Metro Campus, 909 S. Boston Ave. MC 221 Youth Services of Tulsa, 311 S. Madison Ave. OSU-Tulsa North Hall 140, 700 N. Greenwood Ave. Tulsa Community College North Campus, 3727 E. Apache St. Tulsa Tech Lemley Campus Career Services Center, 3420 S.Memorial Drive. Oral Roberts University Zoppelt Auditorium, 7777 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa Creek Indian Community Center, 8611 S. Union Ave. Area watch parties: Bixby: SpiritBank Event Center, 10441 S. Regal Blvd. Broken Arrow: Broken Arrow City Council Chambers, 220 S. First Place; Nienhuis Park, 3201 N. Ninth St (55th Street and Lynn Lane Road); NSU-BA Campus, 3100 E. New Orleans St. Claremore: Rogers State University Auditorium, 1701 W.Will Rogers Blvd. Glenpool: Glenpool High School Intermediate Building, 461 E. 146th St. Jenks: Jenks High School Building 6 Auditorium, 205 E. B St. Mannford: Mannford High School, 220 Evans Ave. Liberty Mounds: Liberty High School, 2727 E. 201st St. Owasso: First Christian Church, 10100 N. Garnett Road Sand Springs: Minute Man Pizza Parlor, 7 W. 41st St. Sapulpa: CREOKS Behavioral Health Services and Sapulpa Public Schools, 3 S. Mission St. Skiatook: 123 S. Broadway QUICK METH FACTS Methamphetamine can be a powder with a white, tan or even pinkish or brownish color. It can also be crystalized to resemble a small chip of glass or ice. Meth is typically injected. Crystal meth is smoked in a pipe. Meth creates unpredictable, irrational and paranoid behavior that typically endures longer and is more intense than that stimulated by other drugs. Contact the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for recovery options in your area. Source: www.crystaldarknessoklahoma.org - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom