The Partnership at Drugfree.org Hosts Facebook Chat with Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse

~Dr. Volkow to Chat Live About the Science of Addiction and Take Questions About Teen Medicine Abuse ~

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Partnership at Drugfree.org, the national nonprofit leading The Medicine Abuse Project, a multi-year initiative aimed at preventing half a million teens from abusing medicine over the next five years, is partnering with Dr. Nora D. Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). She will be the featured guest on the next "Meet The Parents Hour," The Partnership's hour-long live Facebook chat and Q&A session taking place on Monday, September 16 at 12 p.m. EDT/9 a.m. PDT.

Dr. Volkow joined the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health as Director in May 2003. NIDA supports most of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. Dr. Volkow's work has been instrumental in demonstrating that drug addiction is a disease of the human brain. As a research psychiatrist and scientist, Dr. Volkow pioneered the use of brain imaging to investigate the toxic effects and addictive properties of abusable drugs.

"Research shows that teens are at an increased risk for drug abuse and addiction," said NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow. "Through this Facebook chat, The Partnership at Drugfree.org is providing an opportunity for parents to learn the scientific facts so that they can be better prepared to talk with their kids about drugs, especially the dangers of prescription drug abuse."

Visitors to The Partnership at Drugfree.org's Facebook timeline will have the unique opportunity to chat live with Dr. Volkow and hear from others touched by drug and alcohol abuse. Like New York Times bestselling author David Sheff, former professional basketball player Chris Mullin, celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern and actor/author Melissa Gilbert before her, Dr. Volkow will be taking questions and answering them in real time during the virtual event.

"As an innovative researcher and national leader on addressing the brain disease of addiction, we are honored to have Dr. Volkow share her expertise with the thousands of parents within our Facebook community," said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. "Every parent of a child or teen and anyone whose life has been touched by addiction should not miss this chance to hear from her."

The Partnership at Drugfree.org is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to finding evidence-based solutions to adolescent substance use disorders. The Medicine Abuse Project is a unifying campaign that brings together families, communities, industry and health care professionals, educators, law enforcement and government officials to curb teen medicine abuse, and ultimately save lives. To learn more please visit The Medicine Abuse Project and follow the conversation online with #endmedicineabuse.

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Ninety percent of addictions start in the teenage years. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is dedicated to solving the problem of teen substance abuse. Together with experts in science, parenting and communications, the nonprofit translates research on teen behavior, addiction and treatment into useful and effective resources for both individuals and communities. Working toward a vision where all young people will be able to live their lives free of drug and alcohol abuse, The Partnership at Drugfree.org works with parents and other influencers to help them prevent and get help for drug and alcohol abuse by teens and young adults. The organization depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector and is thankful to SAG-AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity. If you or someone you know if struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, please call The Parents Toll-Free Helpline at 1-855-DRUGFREE.

SOURCE The Partnership at Drugfree.org