
In December of 2007, the Sedalia MAMa Chapter, was given permission by the administration of Smith Cotton High School to take our "High is a Lie" presentation into the school and present it to all 1300 students. The "High is a Lie" program consists of visual, educational, and teacher aid resources for teaching factual material concerning the effect of methamphetamine on the human body, with emphasis on the brain and psychological effects.
From January to March, we spent one hour a day, three days a week, meeting with individual classes at Smith Cotton. In every class we had at least 2 students who were affected by meth either through a parent, friend or family member. the administration informed us that students were beginning to go and talk to school counselors after our visit about the problems they were facing due to addicted parents.
In January of 2008,we presented the "High is a Lie" program to the administration and 65 teachers at the Sedalia Middle School. On May 23rd, we presented the program to 325 6th grade students and were astounded at the feedback we received from the students and the questions they were asking at the young age.
Included in this program is the "High is a Lie" video is a 36
minute video by Mary F Holley MD for the public school and workplace that
teaches the effects of methamphetamine on the human brain. Designed for students
age 10 and up, this video includes current research, brain scans and diagrams
that illustrate how methamphetamine injures brain structures, causing
personality changes and damaged relationships.
The High is a Lie also includes footage of an actual addict, a young man named
Jim, who is seen struggling with the effects Methamphetamine has had on his
life. He relates his memory loss, hallucinations, and the power methamphetamine
addiction has over him. Jim took his life under the influence of methamphetamine
on the Fourth of July 2000.
The adult version of The High is a Lie contains some adult themes. It discusses
the effect of methamphetamine on sexual functioning, including the impotence
experienced by many addicts. It is tastefully done, but is not appropriate for
all ages. A Classroom Edition is available for younger viewers that omits these
themes.