Ep 2. The Meth Crossroads

This is Life with Lisa Ling season 5 episode 2, titled "The Meth Crossroads," follows Ling as she travels to Montana to investigate the devastating impact of methamphetamine on small communities. Meth addiction has become an epidemic, tearing apart families and causing crime rates to skyrocket. Ling speaks with former addicts, law enforcement officials, and community members to gain a comprehensive understanding of the wide-ranging effects of this drug.

The episode begins with Ling riding along with a local sheriff who is tasked with cracking down on the meth trade in Montana. She witnesses a drug bust and hears firsthand accounts of the types of criminals that are now commonplace in the area. Ling speaks with a grandmother who has taken in her daughter's children after she lost custody due to her meth addiction. The grandmother opens up about the difficulties of raising her grandchildren and the toll it has taken on her own life.

Ling then meets with a former meth addict who has turned his life around and now helps others break free from addiction. He shares his own harrowing story of addiction, and Ling watches as he helps a young man who is struggling with addiction and trying to get clean. The man's mother also speaks to Ling about the challenges she has faced in trying to help her son.

The episode also explores the impact of meth addiction on children. Ling visits a school specifically designed for kids whose parents are struggling with addiction. She speaks with a teacher about the types of trauma that these children have experienced and the unique challenges they face in the classroom. Ling also meets with a therapist who works with children impacted by addiction and learns about the ways in which therapy can make a difference in their lives.

Throughout the episode, Ling delves into the political and economic factors that have contributed to the rise of meth addiction in rural areas like Montana. She interviews policymakers and researchers to get a sense of the deep-rooted issues that are driving this epidemic. Ling also speaks with community members who are taking a stand against drug abuse, from grassroots activists to law enforcement officials who are working to keep their communities safe.

"The Meth Crossroads" is a poignant and in-depth look at the toll of meth addiction on small towns and the people who struggle with it every day. Ling approaches the subject with sensitivity and intelligence, providing viewers with a nuanced picture of the complex issues at play. This powerful episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the impact of drug addiction on rural communities.