Drug abuse agency Web site targets teens

• By Mary Mosquera
• Sep 15, 2003

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has launched a Web site highlighting the science behind drug abuse and addiction.

"Our materials are designed to inform students at a variety of grade levels about how research can help us discover the causes and possible cures for drug addiction,' said NIDA director Dr. Nora Volkow on Friday. NIDA is a component of the National Institutes of Health.

The site, www.teens.drugabuse.gov, is geared toward adolescents ages 11 to 15. It contains facts about drugs, real stories about teens and drug abuse, games, take-home activities, and a forum with Volkow, as "Dr. NIDA."

The agency has sent information about the new Web site to 40,000 middle- and high-school science teachers. "Science education'especially in the field of drug abuse and addiction'is dynamic,' said Volkow. Materials for families and teachers covering all ages are available at www.drugabuse.gov, including education about the brain and the effects of drugs on the brain.