Red Ribbon Week: Protecting Youth and Supporting Families

Every year, from October 23 through 31, communities across the United States come together to observe Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest drug use prevention campaign. What began in 1985 as a grassroots effort by parents outraged by the tragic death of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena has grown into a powerful movement dedicated to educating youth, supporting families, and fostering safe, drug-free environments.

Red Ribbon Week is now a reminder that caregivers, schools, and communities all play a role in helping youth make healthy choices. We join this mission by providing comprehensive support for children and families. By understanding the challenges adolescents face and taking steps to provide guidance, care, and safe spaces, communities can empower youth to thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically while staying drug-free.

Supporting Youth Before Risks Escalate

Preventing substance use isn’t only about telling children “no,” but about creating supportive environments where youth feel safe, understood, and empowered to make healthy choices. Adolescence is a time of exploration and emotional growth, and many teens turn to substances as a way to cope. Research shows that 73% of adolescents report using substances to feel mellow or relaxed, 44% to manage stress or forget problems, and 40% to cope with anxiety or depression. Social factors also play a role, with 81% of teens using substances with friends and 50% using alone, highlighting the influence of peer pressure and the risks of unsupervised experimentation.

Marijuana, the most commonly used substance among teens, is particularly concerning. Teens who begin using marijuana are at higher risk of addiction, and research shows that about 1 in 6 become addicted, and daily use increases that risk to 25–50%. 

Beyond dependency, marijuana use in adolescence is linked to lower grades, increased dropout rates, and reduced IQ, as well as long-term challenges in relationships, career success, and overall life satisfaction. High doses can even trigger acute psychosis or panic, and impaired coordination and alertness make activities like driving unsafe.

The statistics illustrate that substance use among adolescents is often intertwined with stress, mental health challenges, and social influences, rather than simple curiosity or rebellion. This is why prevention works best when it addresses both the emotional and social needs of youth, providing healthy coping strategies, supportive relationships, and safe, structured environments.

How to Support Kids During Red Ribbon Week (and Beyond)

Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity to start conversations, build awareness, and reinforce healthy choices. Caregivers and families play a crucial role in helping youth navigate stress, peer pressure, and curiosity about substances. Here are some practical ways to support children and teens year-round:

• Start Open, Judgment-Free Conversations: Talk openly about the risks of substance use in a calm and understanding way with age-appropriate language and examples. Encourage children to ask questions and express concerns.
  
  
• Model Healthy Coping Strategies: Children learn from the adults around them. It is important to show them positive ways to manage stress, such as exercise, mindfulness, creative hobbies, or talking through challenges. Highlight the benefits of balanced routines, including sleep and screen time limits.
  
  
• Encourage Engagement in Safe Activities: Support participation in after-school programs, summer enrichment, or community clubs that foster friendships and positive peer influence.
  
  
• Stay Connected to Schools and Community Resources: Check in regularly with teachers, mentors, and program staff to understand children’s social and emotional well-being. Encourage involvement in Red Ribbon Week activities, such as pledges, school contests, or community events, to reinforce awareness and healthy choices.
  
  
• Know When and Where to Seek Support: Mental health challenges, trauma, or stress can increase vulnerability to substance use. Maryvale’s mental health services offer counseling, support groups, and case management for youth and families in need. Women facing transitional challenges as caregivers can turn to Seton House for guidance and resources that strengthen both their own well-being and their children’s.

The Role of Families and Communities in Red Ribbon Week

Prevention works best when it’s a team effort. Families, caregivers, schools, and community organizations all play a critical role in helping children and teens make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors. Red Ribbon Week is a call for communities to come together, raise awareness, and provide the support that young people need to thrive.

For Families and Caregivers

Open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations about drugs and alcohol can significantly reduce the likelihood of adolescent substance use. Research shows that teens who feel supported and understood by caregivers are more likely to make healthy choices. Caregivers can:

• Talk openly about the risks of substance use without judgment
• Discuss stress, peer pressure, and coping strategies
• Encourage safe, engaging alternatives such as hobbies, sports, or arts programs
• Model healthy behaviors, including effective stress management and balanced screen time

It’s important to remember that caregivers don’t have to do this alone. Maryvale offers guidance, counseling, and support for children, teens, and families navigating stress, trauma, or early signs of risky behavior.

For Schools and Community Centers

Red Ribbon Week highlights the power of schools and local organizations in prevention. These spaces offer structured programs, mentorship, and opportunities for connection that can reduce the appeal of substance use:

• Schools can host Red Ribbon Week activities to raise awareness, such as pledge walls, poster contests, and student-led campaigns.
• Community centers and after-school programs provide safe environments where children can explore new interests, build friendships, and learn coping skills.
• Libraries, sports leagues, and local nonprofits can also create safe spaces for engagement, keeping teens active and socially supported.

Community Support

Communities can amplify prevention efforts by raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering connections among families. Local Red Ribbon Week events and neighborhood campaigns reinforce the message that youth are valued and supported. These initiatives help children understand that they are part of a caring network, reducing isolation and stress that can lead to experimentation with substances.

By combining family support, community engagement, and safe, structured programs, we can empower children and teens to make healthy choices and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Maryvale’s Role in Prevention and Support

We believe that prevention is most effective when it’s holistic, addressing the emotional, social, and educational needs of children, teens, and families. Through our programs, Maryvale provides exactly that kind of care and guidance.

Early Education Programs

Our Early Education Centers serve children from birth to age four, helping to establish a foundation of resilience, emotional regulation, and social skills that support long-term healthy development. By fostering nurturing environments from the earliest years, we equip children with the skills to handle challenges, build self-confidence, and avoid risky behaviors later in life.

Mental Health and Wraparound Services

Understanding that stress, anxiety, and trauma are key drivers of substance use, Maryvale offers comprehensive mental health and Wraparound services for children, teens, and families. Our trauma-informed approach includes individual and group therapy, counseling, and case management, ensuring everyone has the tools and support they need to handle life’s challenges without turning to substances.

Seton House Program

For women and their children facing transitional housing challenges, Maryvale’s Seton House provides stability, guidance, and a safe environment where families can thrive. By addressing housing, social, and emotional needs, Seton House reduces risk factors associated with substance use and empowers women to create healthy routines and nurturing spaces for their children.

A Holistic Approach to Prevention

Maryvale’s integrated approach emphasizes that prevention is not one-size-fits-all. By combining early education, enrichment programs, mental health care, and safe housing, we create a continuum of support that addresses the root causes of substance use and ensures that every child has the chance to grow up safe, supported, and drug-free.

Red Ribbon Week is a powerful reminder that caregivers, communities, and organizations can work together to help youth make safe, informed choices while fostering resilience and self-confidence. At Maryvale, we are proud to be part of this mission, and together, we can make a lasting impact. Learn more about our programs and discover how Maryvale can support your family today.