03/22/2025
🚨 National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) - March 17–23, 2025 🚨
NDAFW is an annual health observance dedicated to educating and empowering youth to make informed decisions about substance use and their health. Established by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2010, this week brings together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to advance the science of drug use and addiction. 🌍🧠
Here are some impactful facts to help raise awareness during NDAFW:
Alcohol Facts:
🍺 Effects on the Brain: Alcohol is a depressant, slowing down brain activity. It affects coordination, decision-making, and memory.
🧠 Impact on Adolescents: The brain continues developing until about age 25. Drinking alcohol during adolescence can interfere with brain development and increase the risk of alcohol dependence later in life.
🚫 Underage Drinking: Around 7.7 million young people ages 12–20 report drinking alcohol in the past month, despite it being illegal for them to do so.
Drug Facts:
💊 Opioids and the Risk of Addiction: Opioid use, even when prescribed, can lead to addiction. Non-medical use of prescription opioids is a leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.
⚡ Stimulants: Stimulants can cause long-lasting damage to the heart, brain, and organs, as well as increase the risk of overdose.
Join the conversation and help spread awareness this March during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week! Let's work together to keep our youth informed and empowered.
First Step Home offers substance abuse disorder services for women ages 18 and older. Please reach out to First Step Home if you or someone you know may need help. 513-961-4663 or https://firststephome.org/get-help-now