Researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) have launched a new public campaign aimed at spreading the facts about using the drug methamphetamine, revealing how small an amount of the dangerous drug can leave a user with life-long health problems.
Based on the work of UniSA’s Associate Professor Gabrielle Todd, the document Don’t Let Meth Take Hold highlights the long-term damage the meth has on the brain and body, even if only used just five times in total.
The researchers said their campaign focused on how someone’s movement can be impacted in the months, or even years, after their meth use has stopped.
They said the campaign focused on how someone’s movement can be impacted in the following months, and possibly years, with the long-lasting effects, results other similar campaigns have never done before.
“Using methamphetamine, even just a few times, can lead to long-lasting effects on the body and it’s important to raise awareness of this in the community,” Professor Todd said.
“Parts of the brain that are responsible for movement are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of methamphetamine,” she said.
“The damage that methamphetamine causes can lead to movement problems and increases the risk of developing movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.”
Professor Todd said Drug and Alcohol Services SA was helping run the campaign in partnership with UniSA and The Hospital Research Foundation.
She said a pre-launch survey of Don’t Let Meth Take Hold has revealed it hit home more than previous messaging around immediate harm, with respondents finding the new campaign much more informative while reducing stigma for users.
“This hard-hitting, evidence-based campaign will be rolled out across multiple digital platforms aiming to educate the public on the drug’s dangers and reduce use,” Professor Todd said.
“Concerningly, researchers also found 47 per cent of people had no idea that meth had any long-term consequences on health – despite the devastating toll it takes.”
More information on the Don’t Let Meth Take Hold campaign, as well as the support services available, can be found on an official website at this PS News link.
