Teens have a lot of questions about drugs and drug abuse. Without a reliable source for answers, they turn to the Internet, television, friends, and pop culture—where the answers they get might be fictional or dishonest. And when it comes to drugs and drug abuse, misinformation can have serious consequences.

What Is National Drug Facts Week?

National Drug Facts Week is a health observance week for teens with an opportunity to get the facts about drugs and drug abuse. National Drug Facts Week is an initiative of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), which supports most of the world’s research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction.

This national health observance is a time for communities across the country to help educate teens about drugs and drug abuse. National Drug Facts Week encourages community-based events that give teens a physical or virtual space to ask questions about drugs and get factual answers from a scientific expert.

By connecting teens with scientific experts, National Drug Facts Week events put science into the discussion about drugs and give teens a chance to ask their questions and get factual, nonjudgmental answers.

Get Involved in National Drug Facts Week!

Taking place January 28 to February 3, 2013, National Drug Facts Week is a nationwide health observance that depends on teens with the assistance of parents and the community to succeed.

During National Drug Facts Week, you can help the teens in your family get real, honest answers about drugs and drug abuse. How can your family get involved in National Drug Facts Week?

• Parents and caregivers can encourage their teens to organize a National Drug Facts Week event or participate in one.

• Teens can team up with friends, teachers, community members, and local scientific experts to host a National Drug Facts Week event.

• Schools and community organizations can help sponsor and/or collaborate with teens to host National Drug Facts Week events.

All National Drug Facts Week Events should:

1. Have an adult advisor

2. Be held during January 28 to February 3, 2013

3. Have a scientific expert

4. Be centered on getting the facts on drugs and drug abuse to teens

5. Be registered on the National Drug Facts Week website

To learn more about National Drug Facts Week, visit http://www.drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov.