Educating teens during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week^®

Running from March 17-23, National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® is an annual observance dedicated to debunking myths about drug and alcohol use that are common among teenagers.

Established in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) joining as a partner in 2016, NDAFW encourages dialogue between teens, educators and experts, with the aim of promoting facts about drug and alcohol use and, in turn, reducing teen substance misuse.

Throughout the week, scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers and community partners across the country are encouraged to host educational events in their communities, with NIDA providing a wealth of resources to assist in planning and promoting local NDAFW events.

This can help prevent misconceptions that can lead teens to engage in risky behaviors. It also ensures they are equipped with the knowledge to make informed choices regarding drugs and alcohol.

As a laboratory that provides drug and alcohol testing services, we understand the importance of education in helping people make informed choices.

10 Drug and Alcohol facts every teen should know

Here are 10 essential drug and alcohol facts that every teen should know, to better understand the risks associated with substance misuse:

1. Individual reactions to different substances can vary significantly

The effects of alcohol and drugs can vary widely between different people depending on a variety of factors including age, gender, weight, the type of substance taken, frequency and quantity of use, mental state, and whether a person has taken other substances at the same time. This means not everyone will have the same experience even when taking the same substances.

2. Ethanol: the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks

Ethanol is the intoxicating agent found in alcoholic drinks that can pass through the blood-brain barrier, impacting mental and physical behaviors. Initially, it may induce feelings of relaxation but can affect brain functions when consumed in large quantities, leading to slurred speech and impaired coordination.

3. Health risks associated with alcohol misuse

Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions, including mental and behavioral disorders, liver cirrhosis, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.

Learn more: What is alcohol poisoning?

4. Detection windows for alcohol consumption

The length of time alcohol remains detectable in the body varies depending on the type of sample being tested. However, alcohol use can typically be detected in blood within 1-2 hours of consumption, in breath for up to 24 hours, and in hair and nail drug tests for up to 12 months.

Learn more: How long does alcohol stay in your system?

5. Federal status of marijuana

Despite legalization in some states, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level and is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act due to its potential for abuse and dependency.

6. Distinguishing CBD from marijuana

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both found in marijuana. However, CBD contains minimal THC and does not produce psychoactive effects. Federally, CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC are legal, but state laws vary.

Learn more: CBD vs THC – What’s the difference?

7. The misnomer of ‘Legal Highs’

New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs), often referred to as ‘legal highs,’ are synthetic drugs designed to mimic traditional illegal drugs. Despite the name, they are often illegal and can be extremely unpredictable and dangerous due to their potency.

8. Understanding opiates vs. opioids

Opiates are natural compounds extracted from plant matter, such as morphine and codeine. Opioids are generally synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds, like methadone and fentanyl. Both types can lead to dependency and have significant health risks.

Learn more: Opiate & Opioid Facts

9. Uncertainty in street drugs

Illicit street drugs often contain unknown substances due to lack of quality control. They can be adulterated with other drugs, impurities from manufacturing, or diluents like sugars, making their consumption particularly risky.

Learn more: What are users really getting when they buy drugs on the street?

10. Detection windows for drug use

Drugs and their metabolites can be detected in the body through various methods: oral fluid (saliva) tests or urine drug tests can detect recent drug use (48 hours up to 4 days), while hair drug tests or nail drug tests can provide an insight into drug use for up to 12 months after consumption.

Where can I buy a home drug or alcohol test?

Whether you suspect a loved one is misusing drugs or simply want a test for other personal reasons, AlphaBiolabs can help.

Our state-of-the-art laboratory can test a range of biological samples for the presence of drugs and their metabolites.

Simply order your Home Nail Drug & Alcohol Test Kit, Home Hair Drug Test or Home Urine Drug Test Kit, online, and we’ll mail your kit out to you immediately so that you can collect your samples quickly and easily at home.

For more information on our at-home drug and alcohol testing kits, call 727 325 2902 or email info@alphabiolabsusa.com.