National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is an annual observance designed to raise awareness about drugs and alcohol within the teen community. Since 2010, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has provided educational events in communities to help teens understand drug use.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week’s ultimate goal is to rebuke some myths students have about drugs and alcohol commonly seen in social media, movies, and TV. It focuses on the science behind addiction. This year, National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week runs from March 22 to March 28. At TruHealing Centers, our team believes that teens should have a greater awareness of drug facts and alcohol facts, and National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week presents a perfect opportunity.
What Happens During National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week?
This special week’s observance puts students with scientists and experts from NIDA and other organizations to learn drug facts, dispel the myths, and eliminate the stigmas attached to addiction.
NDAFW events spring up all over the country and online. Hosts for these events typically are schools, nonprofit and community organizations, and health departments. Technically, anyone can be a host, though, as long as they are over eighteen with ties to an organization that provides education to teens.
Together, teens, scientists, and experts shatter the myths about drug and alcohol use. They talk about the impacts drugs have on the body, brain, and quality of life.
What Can You Learn During National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week?
The primary goal during NDAFW is how to dispel certain myths with science, but it’s a broad topic. Some common misconceptions about drugs and alcohol include:
Alcohol Use Among Students
People tend to think alcohol use is an escalating problem among teens. At NDAFW, you might be surprised to learn that drinking is on the decline in both middle and high school students. Over the last ten years, the number of teens drinking has been going down. Although the numbers are going down on alcohol use among teens, it is still the most commonly abused drug by adolescents.
Vaping
While alcohol use among students may be declining, but their use of vaping is rising. This is especially true of vaping products containing THC, the chemical in marijuana. There was a fourteen percent jump between 2018 and 2019. Vaping e-cigarettes are marketed as safer than cigarettes, but recent studies have shown it may expose you to chemicals such as formaldehyde, acrylamide, and crotonaldehyde.
Mixing Medications
NDAFW doesn’t just focus on drug abuse. They also answer questions about prescription drugs like Ritalin and mixing medications. For instance, taking Ritalin or another stimulant with an over-the-counter decongestant could lead to high blood pressure or even cause damage to the heart.
Brain Development and Drug Use
The brain continues to develop well into your twenties. Drinking alcohol in excess while the brain is still developing could cause cognitive and learning problems. Teens who drink are more susceptible to violence, problems with school work, and poor conduct.
Information About Substance Abuse Treatment
There will also be information about what to do if you have an addiction, including drug and alcohol treatment programs like TruHealing Centers.
TruHealing Centers is a full-service mental health and addiction treatment program. We provide a continuum of care, so from detox to sober living and beyond. For example, the Atlanta Detox Center provides managed detox, residential care, and mental health services for those struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions such as PTSD or depression.
With substance abuse treatment centers all along the east coast, you’ll find a number of services available, including:
- Gender-specific treatment
- Residential care
- Outpatient services
- Partial hospitalization
- Family therapy
Begin Your Substance Abuse Treatment Today
At TruHealing Centers, we believe the knowledge of drug facts and alcohol facts can be a tool in substance abuse treatment. Our team of specialists will answer any questions you might have about drug or alcohol use. Reach out today by calling [Direct] or completing our online form.
