Observing National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW) is an annual event dedicated to educating young people about substance use and addiction. Hosted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this initiative provides real, science-based information to help teens make informed decisions about drugs, alcohol, and their health.

In 2025, NDAFW takes place from March 17 to 23, making it the perfect opportunity to start conversations, raise awareness, and break down myths about substance use.

At Recovery Centers of America (RCA), we strongly believe in prevention and education. One study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that youth interventions led to a 65% reduction in prescription drug abuse among participants by age 25.¹ The more that young people understand the risks of substance use, the fewer will need treatment in the future.

The Reality of Youth Substance Use

Over the last decade, youth drug and alcohol use has seen some positive changes, but there are still concerning trends that require attention.

What’s Changing for the Better

According to the Monitoring the Future study, fewer teens are using alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs than in previous generations. Many young people are making healthier choices, with:

• A record 67% of high school seniors abstaining from alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes.²
• A sharp decline in cigarette smoking among teens, thanks to prevention efforts and education.²

These trends show that awareness campaigns and public health efforts are working—but there’s still more to be done.

Emerging Concerns in Youth Substance Use

While fewer teens are using traditional substances, new risks are emerging.

One of the most alarming trends is the rise in fentanyl-related overdoses among young people. Many teens experiment with prescription pills or party drugs without realizing they may be contaminated with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Even a tiny amount can be fatal.

Another concern is the growing use of nicotine vaping and THC products. Many young people believe vaping is harmless, but it can lead to nicotine addiction, lung damage, and increased likelihood of future substance use.

Educating teens on these new risks is critical—and NDAFW provides an opportunity to do just that.

Why Some Teens Try Substances

Teen substance use isn’t random—there are many reasons young people experiment with drugs or alcohol. Some of the most common include:

• Peer pressure and social influence – Many teens try substances because their friends are using them or they see it as part of fitting in.
• Stress and mental health struggles – Anxiety, depression, and trauma can lead some young people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
• Curiosity and misinformation – Many teens don’t fully understand the risks of substance use, especially when it comes to highly addictive or dangerous substances.
• Family environment and exposure – When substance use is normalized in the home, teens may be more likely to try it themselves.

Addressing why teens use substances is just as important as teaching them why they shouldn’t. Education, early intervention, and open conversations can all play a role in helping young people make healthier choices.

Addiction Is Preventable, and Help Is Available

Substance use prevention isn’t just about telling teens to “just say no”—it’s about giving them the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices. The best way to fight addiction is to stop it before it starts—but when prevention isn’t enough, treatment is available.

At RCA, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for adults struggling with substance use disorders. If you or someone you love needs help, you don’t have to face it alone.

Call RCA today at 833.926.5486 to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can support you.

Sources: 

1. NIH – Youth Interventions Lower Prescription Drug Abuse

2. Monitoring the Future