National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW), Jan. 25-31, links students with scientific experts to dispel myths about substance use and provide accurate information about alcohol and drugs.
Since the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) launched the annual observance in 2010, the number of community-based events held for NDAFW has grown dramatically. More than 1,500 were held last January throughout all 50 states and several international sites, providing safe spaces for teens to ask questions about substance use.
In 2016, the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism joins the NIDA to incorporate alcohol as a topic area for the week. Special resources on alcohol will be available this year in recognition of the new partnership.
Any organization hosting an event will receive an online toolkit for advising teens and adult coordinators on how to create and publicize the event, find an expert, and obtain educational materials.
Success stories and ideas for events can be found at https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-facts-week.
Pediatricians can observe the week by distributing brochures and other free educational materials available at https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-facts-week/order-free-materials. Order materials by Jan. 15 to receive them in time.
To join the conversation on social media, follow @NIDAnews and @NIAAAnews and use hashtag #NDAFW.
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