To look at her now, it is hard to imagine that Jodie Sweetin was looking death in the face only a few short years ago.  But that’s exactly what happened to the star of the seminal 1980’s family show Full House.  In 2005 she entered drug rehab after years of crystal meth addiction.

Sweetin was a 22 year old college student married to a Los Angeles police officer when she first experimented with crystal meth.  But the experimentation soon turned into a full-on addiction when she found little else mattered in her life but getting high.

“Everything revolved around my addiction. On a typical day I’d wake up and feel terrible because I hadn’t done any. You’re either trying to get it, doing it or worrying about when you’re going to get it next. You don’t even realize that it’s taken over so quickly.”

But drug rehab worked wonders for the young former-star.    She got her life together, got re-married and recently welcomed her first child into the world.

Jodie Sweetin’s story is a cautionary tale that proves drug addiction can strike any young person - in or out of the Hollywood spotlight.  Ms.  Sweetin was fortunate to have the support of family and friends - and most of all, a quality drug rehab program that helped her break the cycle of drug addiction.

Currently, one of the biggest drug abuse problems facing the gay community is crystal meth addiction.  Crytsal meth, a powerful stimulant, is being used in the gay club scene by men who want to stay up longer, increase the euphoria of the scene and reduce sexual inhibitions.

The results have been nothing less than devastating, with an impact that includes:

• Higher levels of addiction to this dangerous drug.  Crystal meth is one of the most addictive drugs in the world, and the individuals who become dependent on it are putting themselves at risk for heart disease, heart failure, serious tooth and gum disorders and other health problems.
• The social implications of the addiction. Crystal meth will lead people to quit school or fail at work - all in the name of the pursuit of the drug.  Individuals may steal or commit other crimes in order to get money for the drug.  In the gay community, many men have actually prostituted themselves in order to finance their habit.
• The spread of disease. As mentioned above, crystal meth can loosen inhibitions, which can lead to unprotected sex with multiple partners.  In the case of the gay community, this is particularly important because of the potential spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis.

The gay community must wake up to the dangers of crystal meth addiction.  Any individual who is struggling with a crystal meth problem should contact a drug rehab facility immediately.  There are even alcohol and drug rehab facilities that take the time to address the specific needs of gay men - and understand why they become addicted at the best ways to help them receive treatment.

AMC’s hit show Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher with a mountain of bills and a cancer diagnosis that has given him two years to live.  In order to make ends meet, and breathe some excitement into his mundane life, he turns to crystal meth production.

Soon, the mild-mannered Walter is engaged in gun-play, drug running and even murder.

The show pulls few punches, and is extremely graphic in its subject matter, especially considering that it is run on a channel that is part of the basic cable package.

But how realistic is the portrayal of drug addiction, specifically crystal meth addiction, on Breaking Bad?  Does the show glamorize the use and sale of the drug?  Does it provide a proper deterrent for young people who are considering taking crystal meth, or even selling it?  Or does it provide an impartial look at the realities of drug addiction in the United States?

The result is kind of a mixture of all three, leaving us to consider the pros and cons of the show.

Pros of Breaking Bad

• A gritty portrayal of the crystal meth production business
• A hard look at the desperation of those addicted to crystal meth
• Does not create any “saints” among those involved in the crystal meth distribution process.

Cons of Breaking Bad

• Excuses drug sales as a means of supporting one’s family
• Does not spend nearly enough time dealing with the individual fall out of crystal meth use
• Portrays teens and kids at risk using dark comedy that could distract from the seriousness of their real-life counterparts situations.

If you or someone you love is struggling with crystal meth addiction, contact a drug rehab facility in your area.  The professionals at a drug rehabilitation program can help motivated individuals break the cycle of addiction.

Crystal meth use is continuing to spread across the globe like a runaway forest fire.  With strong, addictive effects, Methamphetamine use is destroying the health and well being of young people around the world.  In response to the growing problem of meth use, several anti-drug agencies have employed graphic ad campaigns in an attempt to get people to realize just how harmful the drug can be.

The anti-meth advertising campaigns from the State of Montana emphasize the unique physical effects of crystal meth, and how it can turn a healthy individual into a shadow of their former self.  Like many recent efforts from other states and organizations, this work drives the point home in the most graphic manner possible.

Long term effects of crystal meth use

While many of these ads “break the rules” of traditional public service announcements, the seriousness of crystal meth’s long term health effects justify pushing the envelope from a creative point-of-view.  Consider these long-term effect of methamphetamine use:

• Brain damage that produces effects similar to those found in individuals with Parkinson’s Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease
• Coma
• Stroke
• Distinct facial disfiguration include a gaunt, hollow appearance
• Dental problems including rotting and discoloration of the teeth and gums
• Significant weight loss
• Psychosis
• Anxiety
• Death