NIDA’s second annual National Drug Facts Week (NDFW) begins Monday, October 31st, and ends the following Sunday with Drug Facts Chat Day (November 1st from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
About a third of high school seniors report using an illicit drug sometime in the past year, and more than 10% report nonmedical use of a narcotic painkiller. More than 20% of high school seniors report smoking marijuana in the past month. While drugs can put a teenager’s health and life in jeopardy, many teens are not aware of the risks. Even for those teens who do not abuse drugs, many have friends or family who do, and they are often looking for ways to help them.
To give teens accurate information about drugs, NIDA initiated NDFW in 2010, asking teens, schools and community groups all over America to hold their own question and answer sessions with scientific experts.
NDFW events are planned by teens nationwide, with at least one adult mentor, and a sponsoring organization. To see the events scheduled for 2011, click here. To learn more about NDFW, click here.
