Today marks the start of Red Ribbon Week 2015 which runs October 23-31. This campaign was founded to raise awareness about the destruction that drug use can cause. Its aim is to get more parents, families, and Americans involved in preventing substance use and keeping communities safer.

What is Red Ribbon Week?

Red Ribbon Week was launched by the National Family Partnership (NFP), a non-profit organization focused on drug awareness and prevention. They started this specific campaign in 1985, though it became a nationwide initiative in 1988. So what is the significance of the Red Ribbon?

Enrique Camarena joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) because he wanted to make a difference and help get illegal drugs off the streets. Unfortunately he was abducted by five men on February 7, 1985. His body was found a month later and it was discovered that he had been tortured to death. Camarena’s family decided to honor him by wearing red ribbons and forming coalitions to educate youth and communities about the death and destruction that drug use can lead to. Every year people across the United States join together and wear red ribbons while promoting drug prevention initiatives and education.

Why is this campaign important?

Drug use and addiction are problems that have continued to plague the United States and the world for decades. While under the influence or in withdrawal, people can make poor decisions. In this case, it led to the death of a DEA Agent. Not everyone who uses drugs turns to violence, but there are a lot of dangerous activities that stem from substance misuse. Camarena’s belief was that even though he was just one person, he could still make a difference.

This still holds true. Every person can play a part in preventing drug use and getting those who are struggling with addiction treatment. Breaking down stigmas and making conversation regarding these issues more commonplace can raise awareness. It can help people to develop more effective strategies to keep themselves healthy and free from drug use and know that there is support and treatment available should they struggle with addiction.

According to the NFP, “Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42{b340406b661c1e5732b86e4172a84f651d0df9d8967334cfa4a3aae0d4c8bfbd} less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.” Even if you don’t think your children are listening or paying attention, they most likely are and absorb more than you realize. Take the time to have these conversations.

How you can support Red Ribbon Week

Many schools and communities have activities in place to recognize Red Ribbon Week. There are contests that your children may have been talking about surrounding this year’s theme: “Respect Yourself. Be Drug Free.” Here are some ways that you can support the cause:

• Wear a red ribbon. Join with thousands of others this week by proudly wearing a ribbon and get your family and friends involved too. Educate yourself so that if someone asks, you can tell them why you’re wearing it and what it means.
• Take part in community events. Show your support by getting involved in these activities or even just attending. There may be opportunities to participate such as being a speaker at a school or meeting, and this is something you can keep in mind for next year too.
• Talk to your kids. They’re listening more than you think. Keep conversations relevant so they can make connections with their own life. Encourage them to ask questions, and if you don’t know the answer, find out together. Make sure that you set clear expectations and consequences when it comes to substance use.
• Be proactive. Evaluate your family’s current routines and behaviors. Look for opportunities to make changes such as getting everyone more active, signing kids up for extracurriculars, improving communication, and setting a good example. Have each person set goals they want to work toward and discuss how substance use could interfere with these goals.
• Get help. If you realize that substance use has become an issue for you or someone you love, seek treatment at a luxury rehab center in California. Show others that recovery is possible and the fight is worth it. Make your health, wellbeing, and life a priority. Don’t let substance use lead to fatality.

Drug prevention efforts don’t have to be limited to just one week during the year. Discussions should be ongoing and take place whenever applicable. Reinforce to your children how to make healthy choices, relieve stress, and cope with challenging situations in a way that does not involve drugs or alcohol. Support them in learning how to say no if offered drugs, and making friends who are a positive influence. Follow your advice in your own life as well. This could mean cutting back on your drinking or taking up a new activity such as yoga.

You may be only one person, but you can make a difference and be part of something bigger than yourself. If you are battling dependence or addiction, contact Chapters Capistrano at 949-276-2886 to learn more about our luxury rehab program and how it can support your recovery. Set a positive example for your children and your future.