Sandy Garrett’s weekly column
It takes just one try and then you are likely hooked.
Tragically, methamphetamine, typically referred to as meth or crystal meth, has taken hold of our communities, filled our prisons and destroyed
lives. It’s become the most dangerous drug problem for small towns and
one of our state’s greatest challenges. Experts say that young people in small towns are more than twice as likely to use this drug than their peers in larger cities.
We now have a chance to work together in fighting back with “Crystal Darkness Oklahoma,” a new campaign set to tackle the meth addiction strangling our state.
On Tuesday, January 13, at 6:30 p.m., a 30-minute documentary titled Crystal Darkness will air simultaneously on most TV stations and many
cable networks across our state. The documentary also will stream live
on many news media Web sites, as well as the Oklahoma Department of Health and Substance Abuse Services Web site <www.odmhsas.org>. I encourage you to view it. More than 120 “watch parties” are planned in communities across the state in conjunction with town hall meetings so citizens can discuss how to fight meth in their areas. And a statewide telephone helpline 211 (which is a free 24-hour telephone number that connects people with important community services) will be available for anyone who wants to help themselves or a loved one break their addiction to meth.
Phase I of the campaign is the airing of the documentary, which will focus on preventing new users from taking up the habit, and encouraging those who suffer addiction to seek help. It’s recommended for middle school-aged children and older because of some graphic sequences.
Phase II includes drug awareness training and education to galvanize schools, parents and communities. Funds will also be given to communities
based on need to start their own anti-meth campaigns.
The Oklahoma campaign is modeled after similar successful programs in Nevada, California, Oregon and Arizona. There are now more than a dozen additional cities and states throughout the nation currently scheduling events.
My office and staff at the State Department of Education were pleased to have the opportunity to join Crystal Darkness organizer Wes Lane, First Lady Kim Henry, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and many counseling experts and law enforcement officials in this important effort.
Oklahoma was the first state to pass legislation regulating the sale of pseudoephedrine — a main ingredient in meth — and there are fewer meth labs in the state. However, abuse of the drug has not lessened because users are relying on supply from outside the state.
Meth is a real threat that can’t be ignored and must not be allowed to continue to destroy lives and communities. By getting the word out about this drug and educating our young people, we can win this fight.
Remember to tune in January 13 and visit www.crystaldarknessoklahoma.org at any time.
- Sandy Garrett
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