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National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®, or NDAFW, is an annual, week-long, health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners—to help advance the science so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in our own communities and nationwide. 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 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.
In 2019, 29% of high schoolers reported current alcohol use, and 37% reported ever using marijuana, according to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The Center for Disease Control, Division of Adolescent and School Health reports that teens who drink or use drugs are more likely to be sexually active and less likely to use contraception than teens who do not.
Teens often get conflicting or inaccurate information about drugs and alcohol from friends, family, and the media. Help our nation’s youth stay safe and reach their goals by showing them the real truth about the risks of underage drinking and drug use. Take part in this year’s National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW) and help SHATTER THE MYTHS® about drugs and alcohol!
Get Involved
Download and share our tip sheet on opioids and adolescent health.
Check out the 2021 events map of activities taking place around the United States or follow these five steps to plan and host your own event.
Download or order free NIDA materials to educate youth about drug abuse or promote your NDAFW event.
What is your Drug and Alcohol IQ? Take and share the quiz here!
Develop a Recovery Plan
If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use problem, you may want to develop a written recovery plan. Recovery plans:
Enable you to identify goals for achieving wellness
Specify what you can do to reach those goals
Include daily activities as well as longer-term goals
Track any changes in your mental health problem
Identify triggers or other stressful events that can make you feel worse, and help you learn how to manage them
Establishing A Support Network
Whenever possible, seek support from friends and family members. If you feel you cannot discuss your situation with friends or other family members, find a self-help or support group. These groups provide an opportunity for you to talk to other people who are experiencing the same type of problems. They can listen and offer valuable advice.
Seeking Treatment & Counseling
We offer an array of outpatient and intensive in-home programs for treating substance use and behavioral health issues. Therapy can be beneficial or necessary for both the individual with substance use issues, other family members, and loved ones.
Call us at 203-756-7287 (Children & Adolescents), 203-755-1143 (Adults), or visit wellmore.org for more information. Telehealth and telephonic services are also offered.