First board is working better. I don't fancy puns or play on words but I think what your are trying to say in the first is "it's a matter of life OR meth." "And" is the wrong word there, your making a juxapostion.

I'll agree with you instructor though and say find a visual solution and try not to use a line. I would stay away from the shots of meth heads as well, it's expected and hack. The right visual in outdoor can be very powerful, don't rely on the typical to get the point across dig deep, work harder, find an unexpected way of showing your idea. Visually shocking doesn't imply using a shot of a meth addict

Good luck

Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.