National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: Clearing Up the Myths

OSUS encourages families to share accurate information and have open conversations with teens

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) encourages families, educators and communities to share accurate, science-based information about drugs and alcohol with young people. The observance helps address common myths and misinformation and promotes honest conversations that support healthy decision-making. Although NDAFW efforts are currently paused at the federal level, the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) encourages families to talk openly with teens about substance use and safety.

Teenagers today receive messages about drugs and alcohol from many sources, including friends, social media and the internet. These messages can often be incomplete or misleading, making it difficult for teens to understand the real risks associated with substance use. National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week highlights the importance of providing clear facts and creating opportunities for young people to ask questions and learn in a supportive environment.

“Teenagers are constantly exposed to information about drugs and alcohol, and not all of it is accurate,” said Sara Goldsby, director of OSUS. “Sharing facts and having open conversations help young people better understand the risks and make safer choices.”

Parents and caregivers play an important role in shaping how teens think about substance use. Health experts encourage adults to start conversations early, ask questions and listen without judgment. Creating a safe space for discussion can help teens feel more comfortable seeking guidance and talking honestly about the situations they might encounter.

“Conversations about substance use don’t have to be complicated,” Goldsby said. “When parents take time to listen and talk openly, it helps build trust and gives teens the information they need to make thoughtful decisions.”

Because misinformation can contribute to risky choices, OSUS encourages families to understand the facts behind some of the most common myths about substance use.

• MYTH: Prescription medications are safer to misuse than illegal drugs.
• FACT: Misusing prescription medications like opioids, stimulants or benzodiazepines can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs and significantly increases the risk of addiction and overdose.
   
• MYTH: Talking to kids about drugs will make them more curious about trying them.
• FACT: Research shows that open, honest conversations with trusted adults help young people make safer choices and are one of the most effective prevention tools.
   
• MYTH: If a pill looks like a real prescription medication, it must be safe.
• FACT: Counterfeit pills designed to look like legitimate medications are increasingly common and may contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances. Because these pills are made illegally, there is no way to know what is inside, and even a small amount of fentanyl can be deadly.

Open, fact-based conversations can help teens better understand the risks associated with drugs and alcohol. Resources and conversation guides are available at openconversationsc.com. Additional information on substance use prevention and support services is available at daodas.sc.gov.