Facts about drugs
Schools around the country will observe National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) Jan. 22-28.
The Center for Prevention and Counseling in Newton is encouraging Sussex County schools to take part in this fact-laden, myth-dispelling week. One popular myth is that "marijuana is harmless," although science tells us that today's marijuana negatively effects teen brain development and may impair school and athletic performance.
According to the 2017 Monitoring the Future study, teen use of marijuana has remained steady, unlike alcohol and cigarettes, which have shown significant declines in use. The study found that 71 percent of 12th-graders do not view regular marijuana use as harmful.
The Center for Prevention and Counseling supplied NDAFW banner toolkits to Sussex County middle and high schools. Students can personalize, sign and design the banners with positive thoughts, messages and informative facts about drugs and prevention ideas.
NDAFW Chat Day is on Monday, Jan. 22, where teens can ask questions to a panel of research scientists and health experts about drug use and addiction. Topics for discussion can include not only what science tells us about marijuana, but also about prescription drug misuse, the use of e-cigarettes, vapes, tobacco and alcohol.
On Jan. 24, the Sussex County freeholders will issue a proclamation declaring Jan. 22-28, 2018, National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.
Follow The Center for Prevention and Counseling on Facebook and Twitter for more information, facts, and updates on NDAFW.
Use the hashtag #NDAFW to be part of a nationwide conversation about dispelling myths and getting facts about drugs and drug misuse.
The Center for Prevention and Counseling