This year, Monday, March 30 to Sunday, April 05, is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.
This annual health observance week was started in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Because many teenagers don’t know as much about drugs as they may think, as well as the fact that there are several myths about addiction constantly circulated, this week is focused on education.
Drug abuse is a downward spiral and, unfortunately, teenagers are a vulnerable group. Along with peer pressure, there is also some curiosity surrounding these substances. Combined with the misinformation or lack of information on drug abuse and addiction, many teenagers will misuse drugs without understanding all of the negative consequences. The goal of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is to educate teenagers on drug abuse and addiction with a heavy emphasis on the science and facts to “SHATTER THE MYTHS” surrounding them. The NIDA uses this week to promote addiction and drug education in community and school events. Some of these events include keynote speeches from experts in the field, while others offer more hands-on activities for the teens. Since its inception, the event has expanded to include a discussion on alcoholism and grown to include other countries around the world.1
Observing National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
Our rehab in Pompano is observing National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week in the best way we know how: sharing some surprising facts about addiction and drug abuse that are sure to get teenagers thinking.1. In 2017 alone, 5,455 young adults from the age of 15 to 24 died of a drug overdose.2
Drug overdoses are tragic but often avoidable. Many of these deaths are the result of young adults taking more than they should without realizing it or ingesting potent substances laced with others without their knowledge.
2. Excessive drinking is responsible for over 4,300 deaths among underage drinkers every year.3
Many young adults and teenagers engage in binge drinking, but this activity is far from harmless and can result in serious consequences. Not only are there dangers and health consequences, but this behavior may eventually lead to a need for alcohol abuse treatment.
3. 20% of people with a substance abuse disorder also have at least one mood disorder and 18% have at least one anxiety disorder.4
Poor mental health and substance abuse are often connected, and when this occurs, often the only way to see long-term success is for the person to get help for both problems like with our dual diagnosis treatment program in South Florida.
4. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, the same addictive drug in cigarettes, but only 13.2% of teens surveyed believe that nicotine is in their e-cigarettes.5
While vaping is popular with the youth, it is not as harmless as many teenagers believe. There are also several long-term effects of vaping that have yet to be fully understood.
5. Huffing and using inhalants can cause death after just one use.
Some teens are curious about inhalants, but huffing is a dangerous trend that can cost someone their life on their first try. It can also lead to serious and lasting side effects.
These addiction facts alone are not enough. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or school counselor, use National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2020 to teach the teenagers you know about substance abuse and addiction. Education is the first part of prevention and a good step in the right direction.
At Banyan Treatment Centers Pompano, we help people 18 and over overcome their substance abuse problems. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more.
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