National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is almost here—March 17-23, 2025! If you’re an educator, you already know how important it is to have real, honest conversations with students about substance use.
But let’s be real—finding time to plan those discussions? That’s tough.
That’s where we come in.
At Natural High, we’ve made it incredibly easy for you to bring NDAFW into your classroom. No extra prep, no stress—just a simple, powerful way to inspire your students in as little as 10 minutes a day.
If you’re new to us, Natural High‘s mission is to help young people live inspired, substance-free lives.
No scare tactics. No lectures. Just real, raw stories from pro athletes, musicians, and creators who’ve chosen their passion—their natural high—over drugs and alcohol.
We believe (and it’s backed by lots of research) that when kids see someone they admire making positive choices, it sticks. That’s why we create free, ready-to-use resources for educators, parents, and mentors—so you can have real, meaningful conversations that actually resonate. Our program is evidence-backed and makes use of current, scientific findings on youth behavior, brain development, social norming, and substance abuse prevention. And, it’s always free!
What is NDAFW?
Every year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens (NIDA) hosts National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW). NDAFW is a national health observance that brings together students, educators, and communities to share the facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction.
It’s an opportunity to clear up myths, spark honest conversations, and empower young people with science-backed information to help them make healthy choices. Over the years, NIDA has done a great job of informing teens about drug and alcohol use.
When Is NDAFW?
The dates vary every year. This year, NIDA’s Facts Week will be March 17 – 23, 2025. You can find local events scheduled over the course of the week using their interactive map.
What We’re Offering for NDAFW
Instead of spending hours searching for the right resources, we’ve put everything together for you in a ready-to-use Mini Lesson Plan. Download the PDF here so you can access everything in one place.
Here’s what’s inside:
- 5 short, engaging mini-lessons (just 10-15 minutes each)
- Videos featuring Natural High Storytellers—pro athletes, musicians, and creators who inspire kids to live a substance-free life.
- Short discussion prompts to spark meaningful conversations. You can choose 1, or use them all, to keep the conversation going as time permits.
Even if you only have time for one fact and video this week, that’s enough to make an impact.
For these mini lessons, we’ve handpicked 5 powerful storyteller videos from our library of 50+ celebrity influencers and paired them with thought-provoking discussion starters.
Want to take it further? Explore student activities on each storyteller’s video page to help your students build a strong foundation for prevention.
What You’ll Be Teaching (Without Extra Work!)
Each day of NDAFW, you’ll cover an important fact about substance use, paired with a real-life story from one of Natural High’s Storytellers.
Monday – The Dangers of Fentanyl
Fact: Only 35% of 12th graders see great risk in taking a narcotic (codeine, Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet) once or twice. And 5 out of 10 pills are laced with lethal amounts of fentanyl.
Why this matters:
This isn’t just another drug scare—fentanyl has changed everything. Unlike substances of the past, fentanyl is hidden, unpredictable, and ruthlessly deadly. A single pill, a single mistake, can be fatal. Fentanyl has been making headlines for years, yet in the 2024 Monitoring The Future survey, most high school seniors still didn’t see the risk. There’s 2 problems with this:
- The pills they’re getting aren’t from doctors—they’re from social media, friends, and dealers.
- Young people don’t realize how common fentanyl-laced pills are. The pills they get look legit.
There are often no second chances. No do-overs. Students need to understand that one choice—just one—could mean life or death.
Storyteller: Our Fentanyl PSA delivers a short, powerful message about the deadly risks.
Discussion: After watching the PSA, ask students:
- What surprised you most about the video?
- Why do you think some people don’t realize the risks of fentanyl?
- What are ways you can look out for yourself and your friends when it comes to substances?
Tuesday – The Pressure to Fit In
Fact: 74% of 12th graders have not used any drugs in the last year, and 75% have not been drunk in the last year. Many teens overestimate how many of their peers use substances.
Why this matters:
Teens often believe that “everyone is doing it.” But the truth? Most aren’t. The misconception that drug and alcohol use is the norm fuels unnecessary pressure. If students assume substance use is just a part of growing up, they’re more likely to experiment—often just to avoid feeling left out. But when they hear the real numbers, everything shifts. Suddenly, saying no doesn’t make them the outlier—it makes them part of the majority. Knowing the facts gives them confidence to stand their ground.
Storyteller: Mike Conley Jr., pro basketball player, shares how he stayed focused on his goals despite peer pressure.
Discussion: Start a conversation by asking:
- Have you ever felt pressure to do something because you thought “everyone” was doing it?
- How does hearing the real statistics change your perspective?
- What are some ways you can respond if someone pressures you to use drugs or alcohol?
Wednesday – The Science of Highs
Fact: The brain is still developing until about age 25, making it more vulnerable to harm from drugs and alcohol.
Why this matters:
Every decision a young person makes shapes their brain—literally. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and risk assessment, isn’t fully formed yet. That means teens feel things more intensely, act on impulse more quickly, and struggle to see long-term consequences more often.
Enter drugs and alcohol. When substances interfere with the brain’s development, they rewire pathways that were never meant to be altered, increasing the risk of addiction, mental health struggles, and impaired cognitive function for life. Students need to know: their choices today shape their future in ways they can’t yet see.
Storyteller: The Science of Joy explains how the brain’s reward system works. This video is part of a 3-part series on the brain.
Discussion: After watching the video, discuss:
- How do substances like drugs and alcohol affect the brain differently in teens vs. adults?
- What are some positive, natural ways to get a “high” or boost dopamine?
- Why do you think some people turn to substances instead of finding natural highs?
Thursday – The Impact on Mental Health
Fact: Over 60% of youth in substance use treatment programs also have a co-occurring mental health disorder.
Why this matters:
Many young people don’t turn to substances for fun—they turn to them to cope. Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma—when these struggles go unchecked, substances can feel like an escape. But instead of solving the problem, drugs and alcohol make it worse, deepening mental health challenges and creating a cycle that’s hard to break. When students understand this connection, they can start recognizing healthier, more effective ways to cope—before substances ever seem like the answer.
Storyteller: Carissa Moore, Olympic surfing champion, talks about managing pressure and stress in healthy ways.
Discussion: Guide students through these questions:
- How do you think stress or anxiety can lead someone to use substances?
- What are some healthy coping strategies you use when dealing with stress?
- Who are trusted people you can turn to for support when facing challenges?
Friday – Understanding Family History & Addiction Risk
Fact: Addiction has a genetic component, meaning those with a family history of substance use may be at greater risk—but choices still matter.
Why this matters:
Understanding family history isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment. If addiction runs in the family, that doesn’t mean a young person is destined to struggle. It means they have insight, awareness, and the ability to take control of their choices.
Some people are more likely to develop substance use problems because of genetics, but the biggest factor is still the decisions they make. Knowing this gives them the power to be intentional—to set boundaries, to build healthy coping skills, and to choose a different path.
Storyteller: Kelly Slater, pro surfer, shares how knowing his family history helped him make smart decisions.
Discussion: Encourage reflection by asking:
- Why do you think knowing your family history of substance use is important?
- How can understanding personal risk factors help people make informed choices?
- What would you say to a friend who feels like they are destined to struggle with addiction?
How to Get Started
- Download the NDAFW Mini Lesson Plan – PDF Link Here
- Block off 10-15 minutes in your lesson plan – One fact and video can make a difference.
- Encourage conversation – Real talk leads to real change.
Substance use prevention doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to do it alone. Even a single conversation can shift a student’s perspective, planting the seed for better choices down the road.
This week, you have the power to spark those conversations. To give your students the truth, the tools, and the inspiration to find their own path. To remind them that they don’t need substances to feel joy, connection, or purpose.
Download your free NDAFW Mini Lesson Plan now!
Let’s make NDAFW a moment that matters.