Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) is celebrating and supporting the annual National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW®), along with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The weeklong observance, held March 21 – March 27, 2022, is designed to bring teens and scientific experts together to discuss drugs and the potential health effects on teen bodies and brains.
During the week, youth around the state participate in programs hosted by community providers to “Shatter the Myths” and counteract the falsehoods about drugs and alcohol teens may receive from the internet, social media, television, movies, music or from friends. Launched in 2010 by scientists at the NIDA, the week was created to stimulate educational events in communities, so teens can learn what science has taught about drug use and addiction.
“Asking questions about drugs and alcohol can be hard at times for teens. National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week gives an opportunity to encourage teens to talk in safe spaces and while being involved in fun activities,” said ADMH Prevention Services Director Beverly Johnson.
ADMH has 23 certified prevention providers that offer prevention activities aligned with the Centers for Substance Abuse and Prevention strategies including alternative, community-based process, education, environmental, information dissemination and problem identification and referral. Through these strategies, providers implement and participate in prescription drug takeback events, health fairs, media campaigns and various other national observance activities.
ADMH’s Office of Prevention will host the following activities during NDAW:
Monday, March 21, 2022
Proclamation Declaration
Mind Matters: Drugs on the Brain
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_MindMatters_Drugs_and_Brain.pdf
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Tobacco Use (Vaping/ E- Cigarettes)
Mind Matters: The Body’s Response to Nicotine, Tobacco and Vaping
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/MindMatters_Nicotine_2020_508.pdf
https://youtu.be/v_h49yYtvTo
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Opioids/ Prescription Drugs
Facts Sheet: Mind Matters Opioids
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_MindMatters_Web_Opioids_2019_Final.pdf
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse
Fatal Vision Goggles Simulation
Friday, March 25, 2022
Coping With Stress: Kahoot! Game (via Zoom 12:30pm)
This activity will help individuals understand how acute stress affects their bodies, how it differs from the more dangerous constant (or chronic) stress and learn strategies to support their mental and emotional health.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mhalabama.zoom.us/j/89576818695
Meeting ID: 895 7681 8695
To access game:
https://kahoot.it/
For more information about the listed events coordinated by the Office of Prevention, contact Satavia Mann at 334-353-7372.
More resources can be found at Resources to Help Your Patients with SUD During the COVID-19 Pandemic | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
