Reports often outline how Kansas is one of the leading meth-producing states in the country. Now, officials are noticing a dangerous trend with the drug; its users are younger and younger.

The Kansas Meth Prevention Project says that's why its presentation to teenagers is becoming more vital. Director Christy Cain says most teens may try meth innocently, thinking it won't harm them, without realizing its devastating side effects.

A Shawnee Heights High School class recently provided a captive audience for a presentation. The students say the message is more pertinent for them than parents might think.

Freshman Shelby Nincehelser says she overhears people talking about things that went on at parties, while sophomore Deandre Franklin says that, while he's never seen someone actually do meth, he has seen people he believes are "tweaking," or high on the substance. Freshman Alex Jablonowski also says she's never seen someone do meth, but a friend told her about seeing it at a party.

What they see is reflected in numbers. Less than five years ago, Cain says the average age of those seeking treatment for meth addiction was 32. But a 2005 survey showed more than half of those admitted for meth addiction are aged 29 or younger, a third are under age 24.

Cain calls it a disturbing trend. She says the fact people seeking help for addiction are younger would indicate they're using as teens. That's why she says prevention efforts are so important. Her presentation goes beyond "just say no" and shows in graphic detail what the drug can do. Pictures include sores caused by picking at the skin and physical changes caused by years, even just months, of meth use.

The teens say those pictures made a lasting impression on them. By seeing them, prevention workers hope teens will turn away when they see the drug.

For more information, visit the Kansas Meth Prevention Project's web site, www.ksmethpreventionproject.org.