Adolescence is a crucial time to preventing drug abuse. Studies show us that the earlier someone uses drugs or alcohol the more at risk they are for developing serious addiction problems later in life. There are many variables that affect teens that make them vulnerable to drug abuse such as: the desire to engage in risky behavior, their brain’s judgement and decision-making skills are still developing, and it’s a natural time of transition for them.
This is why the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) started National Drug Facts Week this week in 2010. The goal of this week is to shatter the myths surrounding drug use that teens get from the internet, TV, movies, music or from other teens, and work towards preventing drug abuse among teens. It offers teens, their teachers and parents resources to learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. And what they’re finding is that teens who are equipped with this knowledge make more informed and responsible decisions when it comes to drug use. Visit their website for easy accessible information and have your teen take the National Drug IQ Test.
