Faces of Meth: Teaching Kids the Real Consequences of Drug Use

For most kids who have not been exposed to drug use and alcohol abuse, the concept of addiction is ambiguous and shrouded in mystery. They hear all the time that drugs are bad, that they should "say no to drugs", but when faced with an opportunity to partake, will they really understand the consequences of drug use?

A new section on the DrugFree.org web site, run by Partnership for a Drug Free America, introduces Faces of Meth. This collection of "before" and "after" photographs is a vivid and disheartening glimpse into the realities of chronic addiction, and can illustrate for kids the real consequences of drug use.

The Faces of Meth web site is just one initiative started by this organization, and though it is certainly one of the most poignant. But how can parents impress upon kids the real consequences of drug use via web sites like this one?

Expose Your Kids

Don't just suggest that your kids look at the Faces of Meth web site. Instead, sit them down at your desk and pull the web site up on your computer. Show them the real consequences of drug use on the web site, giving them an opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Of course, the Faces of Meth web site is not appropriate for all children. The photographs are not graphic at all, but they may be disturbing for younger kids. Use discretion and teach your kids the real consequences of drug use when you feel they are emotionally and psychological capable of processing it.

Explain the Consequences

Photographs on the Faces of Meth web site are not sufficient to teach kids the real consequences of drug use. Sure, these people look haggard, ill, emaciated and scabbed, but your kids will not necessarily make a connection between their appearance and drug use.

Instead, point out the characteristics of the people on the Faces of Meth web site. Show them that chronic drug use can deprive the body of essential nutrients from not eating, that it can create paranoia and delusions that will cause the user to scratch ceaselessly at himself.