Methamphetamines: The Hard Facts

Reviews

Highly Recommended Methamphetamine: The Hard Facts is one of several substance abuse education programs distributed by Human Relations Media. In the graphic descriptions of recovering users of “meth” and those who counsel them, this video presents an unflattering portrayal of drug use. Using an interview format, users and counselors answer questions such as what happens when someone uses meth, how long the effects last, and coming down from the drug. The young adults interviewed for this video share their personal stories, describing long-term effects and medical complications due to excessive use. Especially heartbreaking are the stories of some of the extremes these young adults have gone to in which to support their habit.
This video does not talk down to the audience; nothing here is “sugar-coated “or “warm and fuzzy.” The video is filmed with a muted, dull quality in the color. To further convey the message that there is nothing glamorous about drug use, the film is “gritty” in appearance.
Included with the video is a 43-page resource guide divided into two sections: student activities and fact sheets. For student activities, you will find resources appropriate for various age levels. Activities range from a crossword puzzle to ideas for research topics, to role-playing exercises. The fact sheets include a list of web resources, ideas on how to deal with peer pressure, and a list warning signs that someone may be a drug user.
The resource guide makes this video extremely useful and highly recommended for middle school or high school library media center collections, as well as public libraries serving a young adult population. Also beneficial for teacher training, social work or health sciences collections in an academic library.

- Michele M. Arcury, E. H. Butler Library, State University of New York College at Buffalo
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)

Former addicts, now in a rehab program, describe their experiences with methamphetamines, also called ice or speed, and their methods of using it. Meth can be smoked, snorted, eaten, or injected. The video pacing is rapid as clips illustrate the speakers' comments and important words and concepts flash onscreen. Background music augments the strong impact of the personal stories. Descriptions of the high users experience, with its burst of energy and feeling of confidence and power, are followed by recollections of the depression, aches, irritability, and mood swings of the crash. They remember being so addicted that they turned on friends, neglected personal hygiene, stole, and went without food or sleep. Eventually some experienced hallucinations and paranoia. Others are now dealing with physical difficulties as well as memory problems. Drug counselors and case managers affirm the problems users have in managing their lives, and the difficulties of rehab. They debunk myths that meth is not addictive and remind viewers of the serious legal consequences users face. Glimpses of the sordid world of meth labs, emergency room visits, and the firsthand stories of former users should discourage viewers from wanting to experiment with methamphetamines.

- Anitra Gordon, Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti, MI
Library Journal