National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, or N DAFW, 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.

During this week youth and adults will learn about things such as consequences that occur when using drugs and alcohol, both short-term and long-term.

Short-Term Consequences of Intoxication (being “drunk”):

An intoxicated person has a harder time making good decisions.

A person is less aware that their behavior may be inappropriate or unsafe.

A person has a greater risk of being injured from falls or vehicle crashes.

A person may be more likely to engage in unsafe behavior, including drinking and driving.

A person is less likely to recognize potential danger.

Long-Term Consequences as the Teen Brain

Research suggests that drinking during the teen years could interfere with normal brain development and change the brain in ways that:

Have negative effects on information processing and learning.

Increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder later in life.

This year National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is March 22-28, 2021. There will be many ways to interact virtually during the week including a discussion about substance use with The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Dr. Brenda Curtis, CVS Health pharmacist Dr. Terra Jones, and college freshman Palmer Williams, sharing the youth perspective. You can register to watch at https://loom.ly/JN3U8JY

Go to https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week to find activities and resources surrounding National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.

For more information on youth alcohol and drug prevention, please contact Taylor Bivings, tbivings@gatewaytoprevention.org or 405-275-3391