Raising Awareness of Drug Abuse through Red Ribbon Week
Enrique (Kiki) Camarena’s death created a worldwide rallying cry against drug abuse. Kidnapped, tortured, and brutally murdered by Mexican drug traffickers in 1985, Kiki’s death mobilized the public and raised awareness of drug use and prevention. The meaning of his sacrifice continues to galvanize communities through Red Ribbon Week, which calls upon organizations, parents, and educators to reinforce the dangers of drug abuse with children.
“Red Ribbon Week honors Kiki Camarena, who more than 25 years ago made the ultimate sacrifice fighting drugs. The news of his death touched the nation, and today, millions of young people born well after Kiki’s death wear red ribbons and sign pledges to remain drug-free,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart.
The Importance of Participating in Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week presents a critical opportunity for parents, educators, and communities to fight the constant battle against drugs by talking with children about the real issues around drug use and abuse. “Each year, Red Ribbon Week reinvigorates the message that drug abuse remains with us, and that we must stay vigilant in the fight,” says Jack Lawn, the DEA Administrator at the time of Kiki’s death.
Agrees Administrator Leonhart, “DEA will continue to take drug traffickers out of our communities as part of a comprehensive drug control strategy that includes effective enforcement, prevention, and treatment. All those who put their lives on the line enforcing our nation’s drug laws pay tribute to the young Americans who stand with them by wearing a red ribbon during Red Ribbon Week.”
It’s important to remember that “parents, educators, and communities are the first line” of defense in the fight against drug abuse, says Mr. Lawn. “Law enforcement is a critical element in the fight against drug abuse, but the DEA alone cannot solve this problem.” We need your help and the help of your community to keep kids safe against drug abuse.
In Yorktown, along with activities planned in the schools, Red Ribbons will be placed throughout the town. Use this as an opportunity to talk to your kids about the importance of staying drug and alcohol free. Conversations are one of the most powerful tools parents can use to connect with—and protect—their kids. It is never too early to set the foundation for a lifetime of open communication. The earlier we begin a dialogue with our children about alcohol / drugs, the more comfortable they will be asking questions down the road. Avoid one “big talk” and replace it with consistent and ongoing conversation. Talk Early. Talk Often.
Red Ribbon Week—Tips for Parents
Elementary School
Explain how drugs can interfere with the way our bodies work and can make a person very sick or even cause them to die before they are supposed to. Praise your children for taking good care of their bodies and avoiding things that may harm them. Modeling healthy behavior is very powerful.
Scenario: Your child has expressed curiosity about the pills she sees you take every day—and the other bottles in the medicine cabinet. Respond by saying that just because it is a family member’s medicine, doesn’t mean that it is safe for you to take. You should only take a medicine that has your name on the bottle and follow the directions given by your doctor.
Scenario: Your child sees you drinking a beer and asks if he can try some. Respond by saying that only a small amount of alcohol has a much greater negative effect on a child’s body than on an adult’s body and will make you very sick.
Middle/High School
The most important thing parents can do is talk to your kids about alcohol and drugs—even if you feel unsure of what to say. Use teachable moments to help initiate the conversation.
Scenario: Your child’s favorite celebrity has been named in a drug scandal. Respond by asking your child why she likes this celebrity. If she only cares about her expensive clothes and good looks, remind her that a role model should also be someone who drinks responsibly and either doesn’t do drugs or has taken the right initiative to get help for their problem. Remind them that when a person uses drugs or alcohol—especially a teenager because they are still growing—it changes how their brain works and make them do really stupid things. Also remind them that drugs are illegal and if caught using, can hurt a person’s reputation and future.
Scenario: Your teen asks if you have ever done drugs. The issue isn’t about your past, it is about your child’s future. If you have not, discuss the reasons that you had for not wanting to try them. If you have done drugs, speak openly about what tempted you to do drugs, why you regret your decision, why drugs are dangerous, and why you want him to avoid making the same mistakes. Avoid specifics and keep some details private. “I took drugs because some of my friends used them, and I thought I needed to do the same in order to fit in. In those days, people didn’t know as much as they do now about all the bad things that can happen when you take drugs.”