What is National Drug Facts Week?
Teens and drug experts will connect for the second annual National Drug Facts Week this October 31 through November 6. This weeklong observance will bring together teens and scientific experts in community events across the country to discuss scientific facts about drug abuse.

It aims to encourage community based events and activities on the web, TV, and through contests.  The National Institute of Drug Abuse, within the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is working to connect teens with facts from scientific experts about drugs and drug abuse.

Teens have many questions about drugs and drug abuse. Without a reliable source for answers, they turn to the Internet, TV, friends, and pop culture—where the answers they get might be fictional or dishonest. Moreover, when it comes to drugs and drug abuse, misinformation can have serious consequences. The week encourages community-based “question and answer” events between teens and experts to address these consequences and concerns.

How Can You Participate in National Drug Facts Week?
Events can be sponsored by a variety of organizations, including schools, community groups, sports clubs, book clubs, and local hospitals. To find NDFW events in your area, use this link.

NIDA and HHS, as well as various partners, have many ways that you can participate in Drug Facts Week, including:

• CyberShoutout on October 28.
  Tweet, blog, or update your Facebook status on October 28th to help spread the word about NDFW. Share information with your family and friends that will shatter the myths about drug abuse. Go to CyberShoutout for suggestions on how to create your messages.

• Host or Sponsor a NDFW Event!
  Bring together the science and teens by having a scientific expert come to your event, or using NIDA's educational materials. The NDFW toolkit will show you how with step-by-step suggestions on planning and promoting events. After registering your event, order a "Drug Facts: Shatter the Myths" booklet for every teen attending your event! This booklet provides answers to teens’ most frequently asked questions about drugs.

• Tweet About NDFW!
  If you're Tweeting about NDFW, be sure to use our hashtag #drugfacts2011

• Take the National Drug IQ Challenge!
  During National Drug Facts Week and year round go to http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov/IQchallenge.php to test your knowledge on drugs and drug abuse by taking the interactive National Drug IQ Challenge quiz. New Challenge coming for 2011!

• Chat Day 2011 coming November 01, 2011
  Since 2008, NIDA scientists have a Web chat with thousands of teens who ask questions about drugs. Every year teens ask many more questions than the scientists can answer, so registration is limited. Learn more about Chat Day. Read last year's transcripts.

• Other Activities can be found here

More information about National Drug Facts Week can be found here: NDFW Info Sheet

Who are our Partners?

NIDA's Partners in spreading the word about NDFW include: The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as several state, and local agencies including media companies like MTV and Scholastic, Inc.. There is a way for everyone to learn the facts and shatter the myths about drug abuse during National Drug Facts Week!