According to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data, 29% of high schoolers reported current alcohol use while 37% reported using marijuana one or more times in their life. Teens who drink or use drugs are more likely to be sexually active and less likely to use contraception than teens who do not.

Teens often get conflicting or inaccurate information about drugs and alcohol from friends, family, and the media. Help our nation’s youth stay safe and reach their goals by getting the facts straight. Take part in this year’s National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW) and help SHATTER THE MYTHS® about drugs and alcohol!

Get Involved:

• Download and share our tip sheets on keeping youth drug free and using a social norms approach to prevent youth substance abuse.
• View videos and explore discussion questions in the NIDA Scientist Virtual Q&A Videos: Teacher’s Guide.
• Download free NIDA materials to educate youth about drug abuse or to promote your NDAFW event.
• Check out the 2023 Events Map to view organizations hosting events throughout the United States, or follow these five steps to plan and host your own event.