LOVEJOY MIDDLE SCHOOL recognizes October 23 -31, 2012

What is Red Ribbon Week? WHAT IS RED RIBBON WEEK? It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon, Oct 23rd - 31st. WHY? The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA. WHO? National Family Partnership is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week Celebration. We are helping citizens across the state come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign.

Our Theme!!

Dangers of Drugs & Alcohol

Objectives PS:B1 Self-knowledge Application PS:B1.1 Use a decision-making and problem-solving model PS:B1.2 Understand consequences of decisions and choices PS:B1.3 Identify alternative solutions to a problem PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems PS:B1.5 Demonstrate when, where and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions PS:B1.6 Know how to apply conflict resolution skills PS:B1.7 Demonstrate a respect and appreciation for individual and cultural differences PS:B1.8 Know when peer pressure is influencing a decision PS:B1.9 Identify long- and short-term goals PS:B1.10 Identify alternative ways of achieving goals PS:B1.11 Use persistence and perseverance in acquiring knowledge and skills PS:B1.12 Develop an action plan to set and achieve realistic goals

ADDICTION What is this called? There are all types of drugs and alcohol, but the main thing they have in common is that those who use them often get hooked on them and then it is very hard to stop, even when you really want to What is this called? ADDICTION

People start to use drugs and alcohol to make themselves feel better. The problem with that is, drinking or using drugs only ends up making things worse. When the high wears off, the person feels lousy and may even feel depressed

Drugs or alcohol become all that the addicted person can think about and they may lie, steal or commit other crimes to get more.

Some kids who do drugs end up dropping out of school They may stop caring about everything except drugs after a while. Even the family and friends that they used to care about won't be important.

When drugs and alcohol are taken often, they can change the people who use them in all kinds of ways.

Drugs and alcohol can limit a person's ability to make good choices. People addicted to drugs or alcohol may say things that they don't really mean and do things that they normally wouldn't do.

Many accidents are caused by those who decide to drink or do drugs and drive cars, boats, ships, planes or trains. Many crimes are committed by those who are on drugs and are not thinking clearly.

Every other minute a person is seriously injured in an alcohol related crash

Myths and Facts about Alcohol and Driving Myth: "Alcohol is a stimulant.“ Fact: Alcohol is a depressant. It acts on the central nervous system like an anesthetic to lower or depress the activity of your brain. Myth: "Drinking coffee sobers me up." Fact: Coffee cannot rid your system of alcohol. It just makes you a nervous, wide-awake drunk. Only time reverses impairment. Myth: "Once I roll down the car window, I'm okay." Fact: No amount of fresh, chilly air can reverse impairment. You gain nothing by rolling down a window or turning on the air conditioner.

Physical Effects of Marijuana Addiction Marijuana produces numerous physical effects, including: * Impaired coordination * Increased heart rate * Reduced blood pressure * Dry mouth and throat * Red, bloodshot eyes * Drowsiness * Nausea * Headache * Increased appetite * Reduced blood flow to the brain * Changes in reproductive organs

Psychological effects of Marijuana In addition to physical effects, there are also many psychological effects of marijuana use, including paranoia, anxiety, poor memory, and problems with learning and memory later in life.

Drugs Show No Favor It doesn’t matter how famous you are It doesn’t matter how much money you have

This basketball star was selected to play for the Celtics in the NBA draft just hours before his death. Len, was the second player chosen to be drafted, at the time he was playing college basketball. He also signed a contract with the shoe company, Adidas. Unfortunately, Len Bias died from cocaine overdose less than 48 hours after the NBA draft took place. He was only 22 years old.

Chris Farley was an actor Chris Farley was an actor. He acted in the television show Saturday Night Live for a number of years and starred in movies including Tommy Boy and Beverly Hills Ninja. Drug and alcohol abuse were a constant part of Farley’s life and eventually caused problems with his career. Farley died at the age of 33 as a result of an accidental speedball overdose

The 27-year-old singer Amy Winehouse had fought a very public battle with drug and alcohol abuse for years. Died with empty vodka bottles in her room and lethal amounts of alcohol in her blood – more than five times the British drunk driving limit.

Years of cocaine, marijuana and prescription pill abuse made her once powerhouse voice turn raspy, hoarse and unable to hit her high notes. Her “pure” persona was shattered by a slew of bizarre public appearances and denials of her substance abuse and addiction. Whitney Houston's lifeless body was found by her entourage in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Important points to remember: -Even at a young age you can be a great example for other kids when you say ‘no’ to drugs and alcohol. -Respect yourself and your family by not causing harm to your body. -Your parents are relying on you to be responsible. Show them that they can trust you. -- -Resist being with people that are making bad choices. -Become active in things to meet new people and learn new skills. -Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help from someone you trust

LMS Pledge OMG! To be Drug Free! I have control over no-one but me I am a leader, I don’t have a problem saying No Drugs will never limit me on how far I can go It’s my life and I have a voice Choosing to be drug free is my choice   Peer pressure challenges me, but I am strong I don’t have to be convinced that drugs are wrong I pledge to stay away and maintain the vision Drugs have no place in my life-long decisions From this day forward it’s all about me OMG! To be Drug Free!!

Red Ribbon Week Events

Be a Leader, Not a Follower Say No to Drugs!!!