Take Part in National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week: March 30 – April 5, 2020

InnerAct Alliance is partnering with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to celebrate National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week from March 30 to April 5, 2020 and connect students with science-based resources to SHATTER THE MYTHS about drugs and alcohol.

With families spending more time at home to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this is an opportune time for parents to engage in meaningful discussion with their children to share fact-based information about drugs and alcohol. Knowledge can help teens make informed decisions and help families stay healthy and substance-free.  

According to the 2019 Monitoring the Future Survey, which annually tracks substance abuse outcomes among U.S. adolescents:

Marijuana continues to be the most used illicit drug by adolescents

1-in-4 12^th graders reported vaping nicotine in the past month, along with 1-in-5 10^th graders, and nearly 1-in-10 8^th graders

Many teens say they vape for the flavor, to experiment, for social reasons, or to feel good

From 2018-2019, the number of 12^th graders saying they vape because they are “hooked” more than doubled to 8.1%, up from 3.6%

Our agency's youth coalition, UthMpact, has compiled the following "UthMpact Facts" to share the reality that most Polk County teens are making the right choices by choosing not to drink, smoke, or use substances. This can help students avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel more confident to make informed personal decisions after knowing and considering all the facts.

87% of Polk County students DO NOT use marijuana
96% of Polk County students DO NOT use tobacco
98% of Polk County students DO NOT ABUSE prescription drugs
88% of Polk County students DO NOT use e-cigs or vape
84% of Polk County students DO NOT use alcohol

Please visit the NIDA for Teens website at https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week for more information and free science-based resources and activities to help teens learn the real facts about the effects of various drugs on the brain and their body. We hope you stay safe & healthy!