MHN Participates in National Drug Facts Week

WASHINGTON - Jan. 28, 2014 - PRLog -- Men’s Health Network (MHN) announces support for the third annual National Drug Facts Week (NDFW), organized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) from January 27 – February 2, 2014. As part of National Drug Facts Week, MHN is taking the opportunity to help shatter the myths about drug use for teens. You can now access the Drug Shatters Myths booklet at http://menshealthnetwork.org/sites/default/files/drugs-shatter-the-myths-2014.pdf and learn about the facts of drug use.

“Many lives are impacted by illegal drug use and abuse of prescription drugs most often starting in the teen years,” said Ana Fadich, Vice President, Men’s Health Network. “We’re hoping that efforts like these, focused to dispel the myths and misconceptions teens have of drug effects, will prevent them from experimenting with drugs and the terrifying long-lasting effects they bring about.”

Every day, teens are bombarded with conflicting messages that may leave them feeling confused and unsure of whom to ask for information about drug use. According to the National Institute of Health web site, http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov/cybershoutout.php, 7.4% of teens reported abuse of prescription drugs in the past year and 22.6% of 12th graders reported using marijuana in the past month, it’s crucial to reach teens with the facts. Many teens are not aware of the risks to their health, to their success in school and the dangers while driving under the influence.

NIDA offers an online toolkit with lots of suggestions on how to plan events and how to find experts who can participate. The site also tells you how to register your event, and how to get free materials for teens, including the National Drug IQ challenge quiz.

For more information on National Drug Facts Week, or to become a partner visit the Web site http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov or call 301-443-1124.

Men's Health Network (MHN) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation. Learn more about MHN at www.menshealthnetwork.org and follow us on Twitter @MensHlthNetwork and facebook.com/menshealthnetwork