ALAMOSA — National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, January 22-27, is a national health observance linking teens to science-based facts about drugs. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) sponsors the event to counteract the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens get from the internet, social media, TV, movies, music, or from friends. It was launched in 2010 by scientists at NIDA to stimulate educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. Over 1,400 events are registered on the NIDA webpage, including some in Alamosa.

Alamosa High School and Ortega Middle School Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) groups are conducting a variety of events throughout the week, including morning announcements on topics selected by the students and tables with drug and alcohol fact sheets at lunchtimes.

Alamosa County Public Health will be informing the Alamosa County Board of Commissioners about National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week  during its January 23 meeting.

“The importance of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is underscored by accounts of how drug and alcohol misuse continue to impact our public health and well-being,” said Public Health Director Della Vieira.

Videos and links to more information about drugs and alcohol such as the “National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge” will be posted on Alamosa Public Health’s Facebook page, as well as written information available at the Health Department including “The Family Check-Up” and “Opioid Facts for Teens”.

One alarming fact in a recent National Safety Council release is that Americans are more likely to die of an opioid overdose than a motor vehicle crash. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), funded by Congress, is working hard to provide scientific solutions to the opioid crisis.

Events such as National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week are part of the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative which brings new hope for people, families, and communities affected by this devastating crisis.

“The continued growth of this observance that we have seen over the years is a testament to an ongoing interest among local communities nationwide in learning the scientific facts about substance use and addiction,” said NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D. “This series of events is helping to educate teenagers across the country about the specific risks associated with using drugs and alcohol.” 

For more drug and alcohol facts visit https://www.drugabuse.gov/