National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

What is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week?

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®, or NDAFW, is an annual, week-long, health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners—to help advance the science so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance abuse in our own communities and nationwide.

It was launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to stimulate educational events in communities so people can learn what science has taught us about drug use and drug addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner in 2016, and alcohol has been added as a topic area for the week. NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health. [1]

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® is a service mark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® design mark, and associated trade dress are registered trademarks of HHS. SHATTER THE MYTHS® is a trademark and service mark of HHS.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is an opportunity for individuals to SHATTER THE MYTHS® about drugs and drug use. Ordinary people, scientists, and other experts come together to discuss how drugs affect the brain, body, and behaviors, in community and school events all over America.

The DEA supports the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) during their annual National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW). The week-long observance will be held during the spring.

Alcohol Dependence

With the help of a team of experts, withdrawal symptoms may be alleviated.  However, the withdrawal symptoms that you may suffer from without help include:

• Seizures
• Physical tremors
• Alcohol cravings
• Hallucinations
• Increased agitation and anxiety
• Increased blood pressure
• Mood swings
• Fever, sweating, and extreme headaches
• Increased heartbeat

Short-Term Health Risks

Excessive alcohol and drug use have immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. These are most often the result of binge drinking and include the following:

• Injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.
• Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
• Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels.
• Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
• Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) among pregnant women. [3]

Long-Term Health Risks

Over time, excessive drug or alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including:

• High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems
• Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum
• Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick
• Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance
• Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
• Social problems, including family problems, job-related problems, and unemployment
• Alcohol use disorders, or alcohol dependence, substance use disorders, or drug dependence

By not drinking too much, you can reduce the risk of these short- and long-term health risks.

Alcohol Treatment

Programs, services, and treatments vary. We Level Up rehab center offers inpatient substance abuse treatment. Offering co-occurring treatments. We Level Up rehab center treats the entirety of addiction and behavioral health disorders including their secondary corresponding illnesses to improve long-term recovery outcomes. Get a free health assessment and find out what treatment options are most suitable for you. Call to learn more.

There are an estimated 17 million adults and adolescents with alcohol use disorder (AUD).  Sadly, the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that only 1 of every ten seek or receive any treatment.  Part of the reason for such dismal numbers is that most individuals aren’t aware that they have a drinking problem.  [2]

Drug and alcohol rehab centers serve several functions related to addiction treatment and recovery.  Recovery starts with getting sober and is a part of your life indefinitely.  And then, after you stop drinking or using, you still have a lifelong challenge of staying clean and sober. So, you will need a solid commitment.  Providing therapy, education, and support for recovery after treatment is just as crucial for a treatment center, if not more so than helping you get sober.  The major of programming at any rehab center is focusing on building skills and habits that encourage long-term sobriety.

Medical Detox

Alcohol and drug detox can be dangerous, especially if it is done without the help of a professional. Delirium Tremens and other withdrawal symptoms that may afflict the patient that is detoxing are dangerous and may even be fatal. It is advisable to detox in a rehab center where you have access to experienced professionals who can manage any complications of withdrawal. The medically supervised detox processes allow the body to process the substance of abuse that is still in the system and gently wean the body off its dependence. It is the first stage of addiction treatment and one you should seek before your addiction gets worse.

Substance use disorders can involve illicit drugs, prescription drugs, or alcohol. Opioid use disorders have become especially problematic in recent years. Substance use disorders are linked to many health problems, and drug overdoses can lead to emergency department visits and deaths.

Effective treatments for substance use disorders are available, but very few people get the treatment they need. Strategies to prevent substance use and help people get treatment can reduce drug and alcohol misuse, related health problems, and deaths.

Through a variety of free resources and National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week events, the NIDA and NIH deliver information to improve the overall health and well-being of our communities across the country. Healthcare providers, scientists, students, educators, and community members partner to improve prevention and awareness of drug and alcohol abuse.

If you, your friend, or your family need help with alcoholism or drug addiction, contact We Level Up addiction rehab center today.