National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week 2020

National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week is a national health observance designed to equip schools and communities with the materials and tools they need to educate young people about the effects of drugs on their brain, body and behavior. Now in its 10th year, NDAFW will be held from March 30-April 5, 2020.

All around the country, guidance counselors, teachers, school resource officers, social workers, drug prevention programs, colleges, health care providers, and community support programs are using the science-based information available FREE from NIDA— an institute within the National Institutes of Health. NIDA supports most of the world’s research on the health aspects of drug use and addiction and NDAFW is a time to hold educational events designed to equip young people to make informed choices about drugs and alcohol.

This year, National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is expecting more than 2000 events to be held around the country and world. These events range in size and scope, but they focus on educating young people about drug and alcohol use and their consequences. Event participants range from kindergarteners to college students.

It’s Not Too Late to Register for the 10th Anniversary of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW)

Coordinated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NDAFW is a week-long national health observance dedicated to empowering youth with the science-based facts about how drugs and alcohol affect their developing brains, bodies, and behavior.

It’s easy to get involved! and NIDA offers a list of activity ideas and toolkits to choose from. Simply register your event online to link up with more than 2,000 other NDAFW activities and events around the world.

After you register your event, NIDA will help you order free publications to start the conversation. NIDA staff can also help you with ideas to plan fun, educational activities or events. If you need assistance or answers to questions, you can contact me directly at [email protected].

Here are a few activities ideas to get you started:

1. Share NDAFW messages and images on social media (be sure to use the official hashtag #NDAFW).
2. Post videos of youth sharing the facts about drugs and drug use on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Be sure to check out teens.drugabuse.gov/ndafw to learn more. Please consider registering for NDAFW 2020 and taking advantage of NIDA’s science-based substance use resources. Together, we can shatter the myths about drugs and alcohol.

Some event ideas include:

• A panel discussion with local law enforcement, substance abuse counselors, or individuals affected by drug abuse.
• A graffiti fact wall
• A trivia night or bingo game
• A social media campaign
• A school assembly
• An addiction-themed art contest
• A contest during halftime at a sports game

Get more ideas for activities and help with planning your National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week event.