Shatter the Myths® With NIDA

This week, addiction experts are coming together to set young people straight about drugs and alcohol; they aim to Shatter the Myths® about drugs and alcohol. Teenagers who do not have the facts about substance use are more likely to make choices that will derail the course of their lives. Most young people understand that drugs and alcohol can lead to problems but still choose to engage the dangerous practice anyway. It’s paramount that scientists impart their wisdom to teens and young adults before casual use morphs into a more severe condition, such as a substance use disorder.

In recent years, research like the annual Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, has shown promising results in the area of adolescent substance use. The 2016 study indicates a steady decrease in past-month alcohol and cigarette use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders from 1996 to 2016. Prescription opioid use among 12th graders has also declined; a particularly salient find considering the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic are devastating the United States. Since the start of the survey (1975), students report the lowest rates of heroin use.

Past year illicit drug use among 12th graders in 2016: marijuana/hash (35.6%), amphetamines (6.7%), tranquilizers (4.9%), opioids other than heroin (4.8%), hallucinogens (4.3%), synthetic marijuana (3.5%), sedatives (3.0%), MDMA (2.7%), cocaine (2.3%), salvia (1.8%), and inhalants (1.7%).

 

Facts About Drugs and Alcohol

Surveys like the MTF, give experts targets to address with young people regarding substance use. While the 2016 findings are a good sign that most young people understand the inherent dangers of drugs and alcohol, there are still a significant number of teens and young adults holding on to misconceptions.

National Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week (NDAFW), is brought to you by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. As mentioned above, the goal of addiction scientists across the nation is to give young people vital information about addiction and Shatter the Myths®. Perhaps you have time today, or during the weekend, to catch an event in your area? NIDA and NIAAA would also like you to join them in disseminating drug and alcohol facts on social media using the #NDAFW.

We can all have a hand in reducing and preventing alcohol and substance use among young people. Below you will find a National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® promotional video, introduced by NIDA Director, Dr. Nora Volkow and NIAAA Director, Dr. George Koob:

If you are having trouble watching, please click here.

 

Use Disorder Treatment

If you are a young adult whose drug and alcohol use has become problematic, it is possible to recover from the alcohol and substance use disorder. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help, the longer you ignore your condition, the more likely you are to experience even more significant detriment. Please contact Whiteside Manor today.