All About National Drug And Alcohol Facts Week

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is an annual health observance in the United States that aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse among youth.

We’ve gone into detail before about alcohol misuse statistics and how alcohol use is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States. Unfortunately, alcohol misuse is on the rise among young people. Everyone can benefit from learning more about alcohol, but in light of this alarming trend, it’s important to educate teens and young adults about the potential dangers of drinking and using drugs.

That’s where NDAFW comes in! Let’s learn more about what NDAFW is and how we can participate.

Why Do We Need NDAFW?

An estimated 15 million Americans struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but fewer than 10% receive treatment. More than 65 million Americans report binge drinking in the past month, which is more than 40% of people who drink.

Recent research estimates that 62% of teenagers in 12th grade have used alcohol, and 52% of teenagers have used drugs at least once. In 2022, more than 750,000 teenagers met the criteria for alcohol use disorder, and teen alcohol use is the top risk factor for developing AUD as an adult.

These alarming statistics point to an urgent need to address youth alcohol use. This was the intent behind the initiative to dedicate a National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week in the United States. Education is the best prevention, but identifying existing use is another important step.

Identifying Loved Ones in Need


It’s not always easy to know when someone we care about is struggling, especially young people. Youth and teens who struggle with substance misuse are often adept at keeping it a secret.

Besides cultivating an open, honest, judgment-free, and trusting atmosphere with loved ones, there are some signs to look out for that might indicate it’s time to check in on them. Consider these signs cautiously, without jumping to conclusions or making accusations.

• Physical signs. Some common physical signs include lethargy, bloodshot eyes, runny nose, weight changes, or looking more tired than usual.

• Behavioral signs. Behavioral signs to watch for include shifts in social circles, poor work/school performance, secretive or inconsistent behavior, and lack of follow through on responsibilities.

• Psychological signs. These include paranoid thoughts, negative self-image, lack of motivation, and feelings of apathy.

If anyone in your life is displaying any of these behaviors, it’s a good idea to check in and simply ask them how they’re doing. Show them you care and support them, and be ready to guide them to helpful resources like professional care, a support group, or the Reframe app. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, resources are available to help. Contact the SAMHSA National Help Hotline to get connected to support immediately. If you’re looking for some ways to stop drinking, here are some tips to get you started on your alcohol-free journey. You got this!

Goals of NDAFW

The goal of NDAFW is to debunk myths and misconceptions about alcohol and drug use and to educate young people so they’re equipped to make wise decisions. Founded in 2010 and sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the week-long observance features community-based events, educational activities, social media campaigns, and partnerships with schools, organizations, and communities across the country.

The key objectives of NDAFW include the following:

• Educate teens and young adults about the science and facts behind drug and alcohol use

• Empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being

• Encourage open conversations about the risks and consequences of drug and alcohol use

• Dispel myths and misconceptions that may contribute to risky behaviors involving drugs and alcohol

• Provide resources and support for those struggling

NDAFW includes activities like school assemblies, workshops, panel discussions, poster contests, trivia games, social media challenges, and interactive presentations led by experts. With hundreds of events around the country (and world), there are many ways to participate in NDAFW — as a group, as a family, or as an individual.

Participating in NDAFW

The National Institutes of Health offers activity ideas, discussion prompts, event lists, and fact sheets at the NDAFW website. Let’s look at some easy ways to spread facts and stomp out stigma during NDAFW — and all year long!

1. Join an event. Take part in an official NDAFW event (virtually or in person). There will be hundreds of events throughout the country and even some international options! Find an event near you using the NDAFW event map.

2. Plan an event. Organize an event in your local community. Local government, emergency services, schools, and after-school programs are great partners that can provide resources and venues for events and activities.
3. Learn and listen. Set aside time to educate yourself about alcohol and drug misuse, risk factors, and prevention — especially among youth. Do some research and reading on your own, or connect with a knowledgeable source like the Reframe blog. Do you know anyone in recovery who might have a perspective to share? Grab a coffee with them! 
4. Talk to your teen. Cultivate an open and honest environment when talking to your own teen. When we let go of judgment, teens are more likely to listen to facts and advice. Share your own struggles and discuss ways to be better together.

5. Support those who are struggling. Cultivate an open and honest environment with your loved ones and friends.
6. Evaluate your own relationship with alcohol. How has alcohol touched your life? Take stock of your drinking habits and look for ways to cut back and cultivate a more mindful drinking practice. Visit a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Al-Anon, or join the Reframe app to connect with millions of others in the process of changing their relationship with alcohol.
7. Do a Dry Challenge. Sure, you’ve heard of Dry January, but every day is a new day to start seeing the benefits of a 30-day dry challenge. Consider going dry for a month, and enlist some friends to join in — or turn it into a competition with your teen relatives.
8. Use social media. Social media is a great platform for raising awareness and connecting with others virtually during NDAFW. Have a personal reflection to share? Go for it! Create a video or a post with your thoughts and spread the word about NDAFW using #NDAFW and #NDAFW2024.

Next Steps

We hope you feel inspired to participate in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2024! Like we mentioned above, we can all treat every week like it’s NDAFW by making healthier choices, sharing our journey with others, and offering support to those in need. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even be inspired to start your own NDAFW tradition next year. We’ll cheers to that!