Among children 12-17, one in three see little or no risk in trying methamphetamine

Despite years of horror stories about the dangers of using methamphetamine, it remains a major problems in parts of rural America -- and one in three youths aged 12 to 17 "sees little or no risk in trying the illegal drug," says Gannett News Service, reporting on the "first-ever national use and attitudes survey about the drug."

The survey of 2,602 students found that almost a fourth think "meth 'makes you feel euphoric or happy' or helps you lose weight, and the same number said it would be 'very' or 'somewhat easy' to obtain meth," Pamela Brogan writes. "About one in six youths has either a friend or a family member who has used or been treated for meth addiction, the survey found. . . . And yet, in a finding that might be of comfort to parents, three out of four youths said they are strongly opposed to using meth."

The survey was conducted by The Meth Project, "which aims to reduce first-time meth users through advertising campaigns." It is based in Palo Alto, Calif., but started its first campaign in Montana, where it says youth meth use has been cut in half. It has started similar campaigns in Arizona, Illinois and Idaho. (Read more)