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Dangers Of Meth Discussed At Mack Lyon

	by Rachel Brandes Moapa Valley Progress Eighth grade students at Mack Lyon Middle School heard a presentation about the dangers of methamphetamine use on Tuesday, January 15. The presentation was brought to the middle school by the Moapa Valley Community for Substance Abuse Wellness (CSAW). As part of the state-wide Crystal Darkness campaign, presenters visit schools to educate kids on the dangers of the deadly drug.	Presenters Jeff Thompson (far left) and Camaron Rios (far right) pictured with 8th grade students Daniela Carbajal, Isaiah Boren and Dylan Smith after a presentation on the dangers of Meth at Mack Lyon Middle School.
	Eighteen year-old Jeff Thompson and 21 year-old Camaron Rios spent the time discussing the top ten reasons to stay away from Meth. Thompson and Rios explained to students their history with the use of Meth and how badly it affected their lives. Both now clean, they lean on each other for support and feel that educating today’s youth on the dangers is extremely important. The two explained to students that Meth messes with your mind, social life, your health, your moods, causes sleep deprivation, destroys your teeth and gums, ruins your skin, damages your brain and can kill you. Students were well aware of the ingredients in Meth as their teacher, Mrs. Blackwell has been working to educate them on the topic. The students named several ingredients that can be found in Meth including clorox, pool chemicals, acetone, and red phosphorous to name a few. “Would you intentionally put any of those things in your body?” asked Thompson. Students responded with a unanimous no. Students were surprised to learn that Meth has been around for so long. Thompson explained to students that Meth can be traced back to WWII where it was given to Nazi troops. Explaining that it would have been given to troops because the drug users didn’t need sleep or food and would become increasingly violent in behavior. With a drug like Meth that controls your life, “You don’t have a mind of your own” said Thompson. “And you don’t care about anybody or anything.” he added. The presenters explained that the first time a person tries Meth there is a 50/50 chance to become addicted. The second time the user have a 92% chance of becoming addicted. Thompson and Rios explained to students how their brain naturally produces dopamine which allows them to feel good. They used the example of the feeling you have on a roller coaster which related well to students.They explained that natural feeling diminishes as Meth takes over. They explained that you lose the ability to feel good and therefore nothing becomes enjoyable. “It is all about choices” said Thompson, “make good choices.” Thompson explained that he was 14 years old when he tried Meth for the first time. A “friend” told him to try it and because he wanted to be accepted he did. “It tore my family apart and it made me a different person” said Thompson.Thompson told students that he had held the attitude that it would never happen to him. He explained that the drug can look like candy and kids might not even know what they are trying until it is too late. Common names for Meth include chocolate quick, candy, pop rocks, skittles, and glass. Names that would entice children that don’t know better. “You guys have a chance, don’t start!” stated Thompson. To learn more about the Crystal Darkness Campaign you can visit the national website at www.crystaldarkness.com or visit www.1000kids.com for more information. Local support can be found in Moapa Valley with the CSAW group by visiting www.mvcsaw.com or calling 398-3444.