Key Points:
- National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week aims to educate youth regarding the science of drug use and addiction.
- People who use substances at an early age (e.g., adolescence and young adulthood) are more prone to developing substance use disorders, making it particularly important to spread awareness among the population.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is an annual event lasting one week in March. However, if you or someone you love is affected by addiction, you know better than anyone that awareness and accurate information regarding substance abuse matters year-round. Align Recovery Centers provides personalized, integrated addiction care, helping people and families heal from substance use disorders and their effects. We’re proud to be a part of our community, which includes not just offering treatment, but information about prevention and early intervention. So, what should you know about getting involved in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2026?
Getting Involved in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2026
Why does getting involved in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2026 matter? National Drug and Alcohol Week (NDAFW) focuses largely on educating youth about the science of drug use and addiction. This is vital for many reasons. First, the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to changes from drug use. People who start using drugs and alcohol early are at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder, and it is a known risk factor for addiction.
NDAW aims to:
- Debunk myths and misconceptions about substance use disorders.
- Educate youth about drug use and addiction.
- Empower informed decisions.
- Prevent and reduce drug and alcohol use.
- Raise awareness and share recovery resources.
Breaking the stigma surrounding substance use disorders is crucial. For young people and their families affected by substance use, it can be helpful to learn about the importance of early intervention. Early intervention for drug and alcohol use is associated with positive outcomes, making recovery resources particularly vital for youth and their parents.
Northern California Addiction Treatment Programs at Align
Addiction can affect anyone. If you, your child, or someone else in your life has a substance use disorder, it’s not something to be ashamed of. Most people who have been affected by addiction now consider themselves recovered or in recovery. The Northern California addiction treatment programs at Align can help.
Luxury Detox in California
For many people, withdrawal symptoms are a barrier to sobriety in the early stages of recovery. Withdrawal symptoms range in severity, and in some cases, they can be dangerous without medical attention. Our luxury detox in California helps people get through the acute withdrawal stage safely and successfully.
Inpatient
The residential treatment program at Align provides inpatient care for addiction. This 30-day program is highly structured, helping people break patterns of substance use. Clients participate in 5-7 groups per day, once weekly individual therapy sessions, 3-5 outings per week, and other treatments, such as family therapy.
PHP
Align’s partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides highly structured therapy in an outpatient environment. Rather than live on-site, PHP clients come to our center for most of the day throughout the week.
IOP
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Align is the next step down from PHP. Generally, IOP schedules involve about three hours of therapy per day, a few days per week. This program lets clients balance effective addiction care at our center with other responsibilities, like work or school.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
It is important that people with co-occurring disorders have access to Dual Diagnosis Treatment. Align provides dual-diagnosis care for clients with co-occurring mental health concerns, both through our virtual and in-person recovery programs.
Virtual Care
In addition to our in-person recovery programs, we offer virtual care for addiction. Virtual care through Align gives clients and their loved ones the ability to connect for sessions conveniently, from the privacy of their own home.
Free Aftercare for Life
Align provides free aftercare for life. Our aftercare program offers a free alumni app, regular Zoom meetings and group support, client check-ins, sober events, and other resources.
Call Align Recovery for Premier Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Northern California
Align Recovery Centers is a trusted provider of addiction care. The treatment options available at our center allow people to opt into the program that speaks to them, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or someone you care about, we’re here to help. Call Align Recovery for premier drug and alcohol rehab in Northern California today at 1-707-659-0383.
FAQs
What is the #1 drug of abuse in the United States?
Alcohol and marijuana are two of the most abused drugs in the United States. According to statistics from the 2024 NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health):
- 9.7 percent of people aged 12+ in the US have alcohol use disorder.
- 7.1 percent of people aged 12+ in the US have cannabis use disorder
- 6.6 percent of young people aged 12-17 engaged in any alcohol use in the past month.
- 10.5 percent of underage people engaged in marijuana use in the past month.
25.5 percent of people engaged in any form of illicit drug use in the past year. This is an increase from previous years, largely attributed to the fact that more people are using marijuana.
What are some ways to get involved in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week?
There are a variety of ways to get involved in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. Here are a few things you can do.
- Spread awareness about substance use disorders (e.g., common myths and misconceptions, how addiction works in the brain, statistics on addiction).
- Learn how to prevent overdose. Narcan (Naloxone) can reverse an opioid overdose; it is often free to obtain, and it can save a life.
- Tell your personal stories about addiction and recovery, whether online or in-person.
- Use and share addiction screening tools.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) website has a list of activity ideas, including resources for learning how to prevent an overdose, use Narcan, and how to make health-enhancing choices, for NDAFW. Checking them out is another way to get involved: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week/get-activity-ideas.
Is NDAFW 2026 paused?
Yes. According to the NIDA website, NDAFW is paused for 2026. However, any opportunity to raise awareness about and prevent youth substance abuse matters, whether it’s getting involved in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2026 or doing what you can to help throughout the year.
Is June 26th World Drug Day?
Yes. June 26th is World Drug Day, also called the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This is not the same as NDAW: it’s an internationally recognized day dedicated to achieving a society free from drug abuse.