Wednesday
Jan. 22-27 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, a national health observance linking teens to science-based facts to SHATTER THE MYTHS® about drugs. In today’s society, it’s easy for teens to learn about drugs and alcohol from a variety of sources: the internet, social media, TV, movies, music or from friends. National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® offers the scientific facts to counteract the myths. Research on the effects drugs have on the brain is used to develop prevention and recovery programs that are essential in helping individuals break from addiction. According to Merriam-Webster, addiction is broadly defined as the “persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful.” Addiction is considered a brain disorder because it adversely changes the functioning of important brain circuits; these changes can even linger after an individual has stopped taking drugs. Addiction is similar to other diseases in that it can disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, it can have serious harmful effects, and most importantly, it is preventable and treatable. Los Alamos Public Schools is focused on the well-being of our students and the Healthy Schools Initiative is using this scientific evidence to help educate teens and parents about the dangers of substance misuse. In order to dispel the myths, LAPS will tackle commonly misused substances like alcohol, prescription drugs, marijuana and vaping. Check out LAPS on Facebook and Instagram (@discoverlaps) each day this week for more information on these topics.