In addition to St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17 is also the first day of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. The annual observance brings a science-based approach to the conversation about youth substance use.
A week to bust myths
First created by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2010, the week brings together scientists, students, educators, health care providers, and community partners to give teens the opportunity to learn what science tells us about drug and alcohol use. One of the goals is to replace misinformation with facts, such as:
Myth: Vaping nicotine and marijuana are less hazardous and addictive than smoking.
Fact: The Centers for Disease Control says that aerosol from e-cigarettes can contain “cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into lungs.”
Myth: Every teen experiments with drugs and alcohol. It is a harmless part of growing up.
Fact: According to Psychology Today, there can be serious consequences from “soft” drugs, like alcohol and marijuana. These can include memory deficits, depression, heart disease, and more. The adolescent brain is still in development, making these issues especially concerning.
What makes youth engage in drug and alcohol use?
The Indian Health Service outlines some factors that may lead youth to begin using drugs and alcohol. These include:
- Peer pressure
- Curiosity
- Media portrayal of drug or alcohol use
- Entertainment
- Escapism
- Rebellion
Some teens are more susceptible than others
Risk factors play an important role in how youth approach substance use. Besides genetics, the Centers for Disease Control includes other risk factors, among them:
- Family history of substance use disorder
- Parental attitudes towards substances
- Mental health issues
- Having friends or peers who use substances
- Difficulties in school
- Childhood sexual abuse
The National Council on Drug Use has a series of activities to explore covering different substance use themes. Topics include stress, addiction, overdoses, and others. You can also take the National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge to test your knowledge.
LEARN MORE
- National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
- Adolescent substance use research: honoring drug and alcohol facts week, Psychiatric Times
- Making prevention a priority during National Drugs and Alcohol Facts Week, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAHMSA)
