Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Red Ribbon Week generally takes place the last full week in October, with the weekends before and following the last full week included as appropriate celebration dates. This year Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated October 17-25, 2009.

Red Ribbon Week is a way for individuals and communities to come together to commit to drug prevention and education and to also remember DEA agent, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena , who gave his life fighting the battle against illicit drugs illegally imported from Mexico.

Red Ribbon Week is an opportune time for families, communities, and educators to unite in their efforts to prevent underage drug and alcohol use. The greatest influence on young people’s decisions about drinking is the world they live in—including their families, friends, schools, the larger community, and society as a whole. The messages of Red Ribbon Week can be even more effective if supported all year long. The following ideas are just a few of the many that can be adapted for the week's events or for year around promotion of healthy choices.

•    Seek out credible educational resources and become informed about all drugs, including alcohol and tobacco.

•    Talk with children about drugs on a regular basis

•    Communicate a clear, no-use message to youth

•    Plan drug-free family activities

•    Practice ways to say NO to drugs

•    Set a good example

•    Do not involve children in alcohol or tobacco use by asking them to bring or serve these products to adults

•    Use "teachable moments" to educate children about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

•    Take time to really listen to children

•    Have regular meals together as a family

Drug prevention and education is a key factor in keeping our youth off of drugs. It is proven that the younger an individual first experiments with drugs and alcohol the more likely they are going to struggle with addiction later in life. Rebecca Pool, C.A.D.C.  (Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor) of Narconon Arrowhead in southeast Oklahoma stated, “The majority of our clients say they were never exposed to drug prevention or drug education while in elementary, junior high or even high school. Narconon fully supports Red Ribbon Week and continues throughout the year presenting drug prevention and education by our drug education specialist John Bitinas, who travels statewide delivering lectures to our youth. We would much rather educate the youth of America about the dangers of drugs preventing them having to travel down the road of addiction than if they are lucky enough to stay alive, having to come to our facility for drug addiction rehabilitation. Daily we see the devastation drug and alcohol addiction causes both the addict and their loved ones daily and would not wish that on our worst enemy.”

Knowledge is the best defense against addiction. Our counselors are available to answer questions regarding drug addiction and prevention seven days of the week. For information on Narconon’s successful drug treatment and educational programs and materials, contact Narconon Arrowhead at 1-800-468-6933.

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