National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is a health observance that inspires dialogue among young people about the science of drug use and addiction. It brings together students, educators, scientists, healthcare providers, and community partners to address youth drug and alcohol use and help counter misinformation.

NDAFW was launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to encourage community educational events where teens could learn what science has taught us about drugs and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner in 2016, adding alcohol as a topic. The observance has taken place on different dates over the years, including March 17–23 in 2025.

Activities may be held in schools, community organizations, health departments, faith-based organizations, afterschool clubs, online, or at home. NIDA provides educational materials, interactive games, and the National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge to help teens learn science-based facts and make informed decisions about substance use and their health.

How to Observe National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

Celebrate by learning about drug use, addiction, and alcohol from science-based sources, then use what you learn to start an honest, age-appropriate conversation with friends or family. Teens can take NIDA’s interactive National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge, while educators and community groups can use NIDA’s games and activities for discussions or events. Adults who organize a registered NDAFW event must be at least 18 years old.

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