RUMFORD- National Drug Facts Week was launched in 2010 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health. To counteract the myths they get from the internet, TV, movies, music, or from friends, NIDA scientists want to stimulate events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug abuse and addiction.

 

About a third of high school seniors report using an illicit drug sometime in the past year; more than ten percent report nonmedical use of potentially addictive prescription painkillers; and more than 20 percent report smoking marijuana in the past month. Many teens are not aware of the risks to their health, to their success in school and the dangers while driving under the influence. When teens are given the scientific facts about drugs, they can be better prepared to make good decisions for themselves and they can share this information with others.

 

River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition will present a forum on Drug Facts with a specific focus on Marijuana. It will take place at the Mountain Valley High School Muskie Auditorium, Tuesday, January 27th, at 6pm. The forum will feature the Mountain Valley High School Peer Helpers group in a drug fact trivia game where they’re going to shatter the myths about drugs. The forum will also present the latest data and science on marijuana, as well as data from the 2013 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey showing how marijuana is affecting the River Valley. The forum is free and open to the public. For more information, call River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition at 364-7408.