Faces of Meth

Map of Oregon highlighting Multnomah County

File:Bret King.jpg

Bret King

Faces of Meth is a drug prevention project that originated in Multnomah County, Oregon. The project aims to educate the public, particularly young people, about the devastating effects of methamphetamine use through a series of before-and-after photographs of individuals who have been arrested for methamphetamine-related crimes.

History

The Faces of Meth project was initiated in 2004 by Deputy Bret King of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. The project began as a way to document the physical deterioration of individuals who were repeatedly arrested for methamphetamine-related offenses. The stark contrast between the "before" and "after" photographs serves as a powerful visual deterrent against methamphetamine use.

Methodology

The project collects booking photos of individuals at the time of their first methamphetamine-related arrest and compares them with subsequent booking photos taken over time. These images often show significant physical changes, including severe dental decay, skin lesions, and extreme weight loss. The visual evidence is used in educational presentations to highlight the rapid and severe physical decline associated with methamphetamine addiction.

Impact

Faces of Meth has been widely recognized for its impact on drug prevention efforts. The project has been featured in various media outlets and has inspired similar initiatives in other regions. The graphic nature of the images has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of using fear-based tactics in drug education.

Criticism

While Faces of Meth has been praised for its effectiveness, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that the project stigmatizes individuals struggling with addiction and fails to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to drug abuse. Others believe that the focus on physical appearance may not be a sufficient deterrent for all individuals.

Related Projects

The success of Faces of Meth has led to the development of similar projects, such as Meth Project and Rehabs.com's "The Horrors of Methamphetamines" campaign. These initiatives also use graphic imagery to convey the dangers of methamphetamine use.

See Also

• Methamphetamine
• Drug addiction
• Drug prevention
• Multnomah County, Oregon
• Meth Project