National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is a week-long, annual, health practice that encourages conversations about drug use and addiction amongst young people. This year NDAFW is being held the week of March 20th-26th.
It was launched in 2010 by scientists from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to promote community events and give teens the chance to learn about the science of drug abuse and addiction. In 2016, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner in the week-long event, and alcohol has been a part of the conversation ever since.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week provides an opportunity for the community, scientists, students, teachers, and healthcare providers to come together to bring awareness to youth drug and alcohol abuse nationwide.
In 2020 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services’ National Survey on Drug and Health showed that 57 percent of adolescents aged 12-17 did not think there was harm in consuming five or more drinks once or twice a week. It also found that 62.6 percent of those in that age group did not think that smoking marijuana once or twice a week was harmful.
It is because of statistics such as these that it is crucial to prioritize research-informed prevention strategies when responding to drug and alcohol abuse, particularly by busting the myths that many young people perceive. For more information on Drug & Alcohol Facts Week go to The National Institute on Drugs website.
Check this page during the week for more videos from our #GCBHS Prevention/SUD staff regarding #NationalDrugandAlcoholFactsWeek.
