National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week® links students with scientists and other experts to counteract the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens get from the internet, social media, TV, movies, music, or from friends. It was launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to stimulate educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner starting in 2016, and alcohol has been added as a topic area for the week. NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health.

Why Celebrate National Drug & Alcohol Facts WeekSM? Looking at past month drug use among high school seniors, more than 5% misuse prescription drugs, more than 20% smoke marijuana, and 35% use alcohol. Many teens are not aware of the risks to their health, to their success in school and the dangers while driving under the influence. When teens are given the scientific facts about drugs, they can be better prepared to make good decisions for themselves and they can share this information with others.

For more details visit https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week

Information provided by National Institute on Drug Abuse.