Tips to Bring Awareness for School, College, and at Work (Red Ribbon 2025)

The last week of October is Red Ribbon Week. Wear a red ribbon and make a pledge to live a lifestyle that is free from tobacco, alcohol, and substances. Red Ribbon Week began on October 23rd through October 31st this year. You can also bring awareness for Red Ribbon Week on social media. The theme is " Life is a Puzzle and Solve it Drug Free."

Preventing tobacco, alcohol, and substance use is possible by knowing the dangers and having conversations about a drug free lifestyle. Also, by having a conversation about boundaries and saying no to drugs, alcohol, and other substances. It is necessary to have a conversation about bullying, peer pressure, and other school issues. During Red Ribbon Week, you can wear red in school, college, in your university, or at work. Involve yourself in a conversation about finding ways to live a drug-free life in your classroom or at work.

Speak about any job pressures, school homework, and stress from making friendships. If your school, college, or university offers a health class about drug and alcohol prevention; Do participate in reading the brochures and in answering the questions in the group activities for the drug and alcohol prevention class. Avoid surrounding yourself with stressful and toxic friends that do not respect you. Also, focus on your career, education, sports activities, or something else that you are enthusiastic about. In addition, if you are offered alcohol or drugs in a social gathering, politely say no and walk away.

Distance yourself if you see someone or a group passing out alcohol or drugs at school, college, or in the university. Be careful when you are using social media. If you see anything that advertises alcohol, drugs, or substance use with violence from your social media followers, do report it and block it. Furthermore, avoid spending too much on social media and do practice your sports activities, hobbies, or anything that sparks your creativity. Be cautious when viewing music videos and listening to music that have lyrics about using drugs and alcohol.

Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, guided meditation, positive self-talk, positive affirmations, and journaling. Find and keep supportive friendships that care about you authentically and are always there to help you. As well as friendships that encourage you to be the person that you want to be and make you feel peaceful with yourself. Do seek professional help and medical treatments for recovering from using drugs and from alcoholism. Here is a brief list of positive affirmations that you can write on blank bookmarks, sticky notes, or in your journal. 

 

1. I am in control of my decisions and filled with strength, encouragement, and creativity.
2. I am worthy and filled with love, joy, and hope.
3. I choose to let go of cravings, temptation, and hurtful thoughts.
4. I trust myself, I believe in myself, and can overcome challenges with healthy decisions.
5. I resist anything that can hurt me physically, mentally, and my overall wellness.
6. I forgive myself and accept the person who I am.
7. I accept myself and accept healthy friendships that are supportive and want me to be happy.
8. I choose to let go of toxic comments, body shaming, jokes, and anything that is hurtful.
9. I deserve self-respect, love, and peaceful moments wherever I go or stay.
10. I stay sober and drug free for my family, my friends, and for my health. 

Besides practicing positive affirmations, it is necessary to understand, support, and prevent substance abuse in the workplace and in academic institutions. It is essential to have monthly wellness programs and training programs for preventing substance abuse. Provide resources about substance use disorders, the warning signs of using drugs and alcohol, and professional counseling. As well as having an emergency medical kit, an academic toolkit, and a workplace toolkit. Make sure it is safe and free from alcohol and drugs so everyone can thrive. 

Get involved in your child's school and in their academic success. Participate and join a preventive program and support your child's well-being. If you know someone that is misusing alcohol, drugs, and substances; Help them to accept it and find a recovery program for them. Nonetheless, know your triggers, your risk factors, and communicate with a professional therapist to help you recover from a drug, alcohol, or substance addiction. Here are websites with more information for Red Ribbon Week. 

 

  Strategies for a Substance-Free Life-Impact Wellness Network:

Sober Mindset:15 Strategies for a Substance-Free Life | Impact Wellness Network

Staying Free of Drugs-101 Ways to Live a Drug Free Life:

Staying Free of Drugs - 101 Ways to Live a Drug Free Life

50 Positive Affirmations to Tell Someone Navigating Recovery:

50 Positive Affirmations to Tell Someone Navigating Recovery

Red Ribbon Campaign-Largest Drug-Use Prevention Campaign in the U.S.:

Red Ribbon Campaign | Largest drug-use prevention campaign in the U.S.

10 Red Ribbon Week Ideas to Bring Drug-Free Discussions to Life in Your Classroom-Teach Starter:

10 Red Ribbon Week Ideas to Bring Drug-Free Discussions to Life in Your Classroom | Teach Starter

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