Computer photo manipulation simulates ravages of meth addiction

In Jefferson County, Missouri, one of many claimants to the meth capital of the world, educators are once again trying to scare kids straight. This time by using face morphing software that purports to show what a kid will look like after a meth addiction.

Senior Jessica Ackermann, 17, said that her face, altered to simulate three years of meth abuse, resembled a zombie from Michael Jackson's music video for "Thriller." In the six-month simulation, her fair skin faded to an even lighter pallor. After one year of meth use, her forehead had pronounced wrinkles. Dark circles formed under her eyes. After three years, her eyes bulged, lesions covered her face, and her cheeks sunk and sagged.

But these reactions should not be taken as proof that the program will change anyone's behavior.

Research has found that fear-based tactics, such as the Montana Meth Project, don't prevent high-risk teens from deviant behavior, said Dennis Embry, a leading prevention scientist and advocate. [S]uch tactics can reinforce the thrill such teenagers are seeking through risky behavior. Those most likely to respond to programs like Face2Face are not prone to use drugs anyway, he said.