The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that substance use among teens can:

• affect the growth and development of teens, especially brain development
• occur more frequently with other risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex and dangerous driving
• contribute to the development of adult health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders.

In addition, studies have found that children and teens who use alcohol and drugs are more likely to have a substance use disorder as adults.

These are just a few of the reasons that Informed Families want to highlight National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW), March 22-28.

Real answers, true facts

Pre-teens’ and teens’ main source of information on substances is often their peers, whether neighborhood or school friends, or social media. It goes without saying that this “information” comprises half-truths, at best. NDAFW is an attempt to correct that.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have invited national and international organizations to participate in NDAFW.

This week of educational events brings teens and scientific experts together to SHATTER THE MYTHS® about substance abuse and addiction.

Up to 100 schools can register to participate in the online Chat Day, when students can receive real-time answers to questions about drugs that the submit to National Institute of Health (NIH) scientists.

For more information about other ways teens can participate in NDAFW, and help share facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction in your community, visit the NIH website (https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week).