How To Get Involved In 2023’s National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW)

Many Ohio teens experiment with alcohol and other drugs. Most of them don’t fully understand the risks of drug use, including overdose and addiction. That’s why the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) created National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW). 

Here’s how you can join this life-saving movement.

What Is National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW)?

Launched in 2010, NDAFW is an annual, week-long health observance that encourages conversations on the effects of substance use and addiction among young people. It aims to reduce youth substance abuse across the nation. 

NIDA has partnered with various organizations to spread awareness of NDAFW, including:

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Food and Drug Administration
• Indian Health Services
• National Institute of Mental Health
• Office of Minority Health
• President’s Council on Fitness, Sport, and Nutrition 

These large organizations work together to spark nationwide dialogue on the science and risks of teen drug use. As an individual, you can also help spread the message of NDAFW. 

How To Get Involved In 2023’s NDAFW

In 2023, NDAFW will take place from March 20th to March 26th. There are many ways to participate and make a difference in your community:

Host An Event

By hosting an NDAFW event, you can help educate your community on the many dangers of substance misuse. You could also focus on a specific topic, such as:

• a certain substance, such as alcohol, opioids, or marijuana
• a certain type of substance abuse, such as vaping or prescription drug abuse
• certain populations affected by substance abuse, such as teenagers in the juvenile justice system

No matter the topic, you must be at least 18 to organize an NDAFW event. Younger teens can also organize events with the help of a parent or other adult. 

Often, events organized by teens are more likely to reach other teens. That’s because young people know how to make educational events engaging and relevant. They also know how to promote their events on social media.

To prepare for your event, learn everything you can about the topic or topics you chose. The more you know about drug use and addiction, the more you can educate your community. 

Also, choose a location that’s popular with young people. Many NDAFW events are held at schools, afterschool programs, or community centers. You can also host events virtually on social media. 

To strengthen your event, consider partnering with local schools, nonprofits, businesses, or other organizations. They can help you plan and spread awareness of your event. 

Finally, remember to register your event through NIDA’s website. Your event will then appear on NIDA’s online events map and attract more attention. You will also be able to seek advice on your event from NIDA staff. 

Spread Awareness On Social Media

Even if you can’t host an event, you can spread the message of NDAFW on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, or other social media platform. NIDA offers various activity ideas to help you make your social media posts as engaging and impactful as possible. 

For example, you could create a #MyWhyNDAFW video. In this video, you can share how drug use has affected you or your community and why you feel motivated to talk about it. 

You could also give advice related to drug use and addiction. For instance, you could discuss:

• healthy ways to reduce stress and improve emotional health, such as journaling, meditating, or spending time with loved ones
• how to support a loved one struggling drug or alcohol use
• how to seek treatment for your own substance use disorder

You can share your video on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 

There are many other ways to spread awareness on social media. For example, you could post about drug-related topics most relevant to teens, such as vaping, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse. 

In addition, you could post about the National Drug & Alcohol IQ Challenge. This online learning game tests teens’ knowledge about drugs and addiction. There’s also a similar game about coping with stress. 

When making these posts, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NDAFW.

Become A Partner

Organizations can partner with NIDA to spread awareness of NDAFW by hosting local events or promotional activities. All partners are listed on NIDA’s website. 

If you or someone you love struggles with drug abuse or addiction, please reach out to Ohio Recovery Center. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one stay drug-free.