Video raises awareness about meth use

Youths tell 'it like it is' for anti-drug project

By Lisa Pemberton | The Olympian • Published January 10, 2008

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Meth causes pimples.

It makes people paranoid.

And it's easy to buy, try and get addicted to - especially when you're young, homeless and surrounded by other drug users.

Those are just a few of the messages in "My Life's Notice," a documentary produced by local youths about methamphetamine that premieres Friday at Capitol Theater.

The 35-minute video was created to raise awareness about meth use and addiction among young people, according to Rebecca Vogt with Thurston Community Television's Youth and Young Adult (YAYA) Video program.

"I've never done meth myself, but I've seen a lot of family and friends go through it," said Vogt, 19, of Olympia. "There are people behind these users. They have stories they want to share."

The project was organized and funded by TCTV, Together, the United Communities AIDS Network and Community Youth Services.

Much of the footage was shot during community events held last January and February, when young people were invited to communicate their meth experiences through on-camera interviews and artwork.

About 25 South Sound youths helped with the project, said Jessica Eskelson, youth media coordinator for TCTV. Many of them live on the streets or have been homeless in the past.

"Some of them were even recovering themselves," Eskelson added.

The goal of the documentary was to prompt a community dialogue about meth use among young people, Eskelson said.

And because the video was created by youths, it begins the conversation on their terms.

"Instead of it being about experts talking about how to get clean, the youth talk about what works for them," Eskelson said.

For most of the people featured in the video, drug treatment programs weren't effective, Vogt said. Many used "risk reduction" practices such as using clean needles or switching to a different drug, she said.

"They were very honest about what it's been like for them, and their struggles with meth," said Mary Segawa, executive director of Together. "I think they did a wonderful job of telling it like it is."

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