How do you stop people from taking drugs? Despite strict laws and severe punishments in many countries, including the death penalty, drug use continues to be a problem. In response, a police department in Oregon, USA, found an impactful way to educate young people about the dangers of drugs through a project called From Drugs to Mugs.
The term “mug” typically refers to a cup for drinking tea or coffee, but it can also mean someone’s face. The From Drugs to Mugs project highlights the dramatic changes that occur in people’s faces when they become addicted to Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth.
For several years, Police Officer Bret King managed the booking process for those arrested in his station. He noticed that over 50% of arrestees were addicted to Meth. Alarmingly, many were quickly re-arrested after being released. This pattern prompted Bret to collect photographs of these individuals and observe the physical transformations in their faces due to drug use.
The photos revealed how rapidly Meth can age a person. Users often lose their teeth and develop severe facial scars. This damage is partly caused by a delusion where users feel bugs crawling under their skin, leading them to scratch and pick at their faces.
To spread awareness, Bret created a video that combined these shocking photographs with interviews. The police department began showing this video in schools and colleges, aiming to leave a lasting impression on students. Bret observed, “When kids watch my video, they become uncomfortable. Many cover their faces or look away. I want the impact of these images to stick with them. I don’t want them to forget what they’ve seen.”
The feedback from students was powerful. Alexandra shared, “I don’t want to be known as that person. I want to achieve something in life. I’m changing, and I’m going to do it quickly.” Nikki added, “I will stay away from people who do drugs and keep myself busy.” Bri noted, “The photos really put things in perspective for me and showed how drugs can ruin your life. I will continue to avoid people going down that path.” Christina stated, “It teaches kids what can happen if they become addicts. Seeing these photos is life changing. I will not even consider drugs.”
The From Drugs to Mugs project serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of addiction. By using visual impacts and personal stories, it aims to inspire young people to make healthier choices and avoid the dangers of drug use. Through awareness and education, the hope is to prevent future generations from falling into the trap of addiction.
A video to scare anyone away from taking drugs!
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