The Sheriff's Office of Multnomah County, Oregon, developed a project called "Faces of Meth." This is a series of pictures showing what methamphetamine does to people. According to the Public Broadcasting Service, meth chronically constricts blood vessels. Constriction leads to skin decay, and, as a result, people "age" at a fast rate. Before-and-after pictures depict graphically how a normal person ends up looking like an old person after meth use. Showing a teenager the before-and-after pictures will perhaps awaken them into realizing that drugs are not fun and games, but powerful destroyers of the human body. Showing a teen before and after pictures makes a strong argument for not using drugs.
Permanent brain damage can be the result of heavy alcohol and narcotics use. Teenagers must understand what permanent brain damage is. It has to be taken from the abstract, and specifically stated. Brain damage includes heavy memory loss, to the point of amnesia. It also includes heavy verbal dysfunctions, such as not speaking correctly. Brain damage may become so excessive that a person is reduced to wearing adult disposable diapers, since the brain can no longer control bowel or bladder functions. A teenager must be made aware that the brain is what controls a person's entire being and sense of self.
A parent or educator simply telling a teenager "drugs are bad, don't do 'em" is an ineffective method of conveying the message. Most teenagers do not understand the long-term ramifications of heavy drug and alcohol use. A common theme among teenagers is they want to be treated like adults. Adults must talk to teenagers like fellow adults. Educators must discuss with teenagers, in no uncertain terms, what happens to people after heavy drug use.
Educators must discuss mixed messages with teens. Society bombards teenagers with pro-drinking messages. For example, during any sports game beer is constantly advertised. This issue should be discussed. An educator can state that light alcohol use -- by adults only --is acceptable in society. Heavy alcohol use, however, is not condoned. The point that alcohol is for adult use only should be stressed, as should laws on and penalties for teen use of alcohol. Furthermore, even if an adult drinks, it is against the law to drink and drive. Discuss the penalties for driving under the influence, including jail time and suspension of a driver's license.