Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness

Arlington County Public Schools is committed to providing a healthy and substance-free learning environment. The School Board bans the use of prohibited substances on school property, walking to and from school, on buses, at off-campus lunches, and at school events.

Prohibited substance may include, but are not limited to:

• Prescription pills.
• Over-the-Counter Medication such as Tylenol and Allergy Medicine.
• Vitamins
• Vapes and E-Cigarettes.
• Edible
• Marijuana
• Alcohol

This information is detailed in the APS Prohibited Substance Policy.

In addition to the enforcing the policy, Arlington County Public Schools offer activities and strategies to encourage healthy development and educate students about the dangers of illegal drugs, alcohol, and the misuse of legal substances. We also provide substance abuse prevention counseling and referral services for secondary students who have substance-related concerns.

Second Chance Arlington is a program designed to educate middle and high school students in Arlington about restorative justice. It focuses on helping them steer clear of alcohol, drugs, and other illegal substances. This program is not a form of treatment, counseling, or therapy. It’s most beneficial for students showing early signs of substance use. The program is free for all Arlington County middle and high school students.

Students can be referred by parents or guardians who are worried about potential substance use. Arlington Public Schools (APS) may refer students caught under the influence or in possession of illegal substances as an alternative to suspension. The Arlington Juvenile Courts can also refer students instead of court involvement. Additionally, students have the option to self-refer. Participation is confidential and counts as an excused school absence.

Second Chance Arlington is a community collaboration involving students, parents, school administrators, police, the juvenile justice system, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and non-profit partners. It is run by the Arlington Foundation for Families and Youth.

Talking to your child about substance use can be one of the most important and impactful conversations you can have. While it may feel difficult or uncomfortable, starting this dialogue early can help guide your child toward making healthy choices and create an open line of communication. Here are some helpful tips to begin the conversation:

1.   Choose the Right Time and Setting Find a quiet, calm, and private moment where you both can talk without distractions. Avoid starting the conversation when either of you is stressed or in a hurry. Creating a relaxed atmosphere will make it easier for your child to engage openly.

2.   Approach the Topic with Empathy Begin by expressing concern and care, rather than making demands. For example, you could say, “I know this can be a difficult topic to talk about, but I want to make sure you’re aware of the risks and feel comfortable coming to me with any questions or concerns.”

3.   Listen More Than You Talk Rather than simply giving your perspective, ask open-ended questions to invite your child to share their thoughts. Try asking, “What do you know about substance use?” or “What have you heard from your friends about it?” This gives your child space to voice their opinions, concerns, or misconceptions, allowing for a more open dialogue.

4.   Provide Accurate Information Clear and honest conversations about the risks of substance use are essential. Ensure your child understands not only the legal consequences but also the long-term effects on their health, relationships, and future goals. Avoid lecturing; instead, aim for a balanced, educational conversation that helps them make informed decisions.

5.   Discuss Peer Pressure and Social Media Influence Teens are often influenced by friends or social media. Talk to your child about how peer pressure can affect their choices and remind them that they always have the power to say no. Reinforce that it’s okay to walk away from situations where substances are being used, and that real friends will respect their choices.

6.   Encourage Healthy Alternatives Help your child explore and engage in healthy coping mechanisms, such as sports, hobbies, or creative outlets. Discuss ways to manage stress and emotions without turning to substances. Offer support in exploring new interests and activities.

7.   Keep the Conversation Ongoing This should not be a one-time talk, but part of an ongoing dialogue. Keep checking in with your child regularly, letting them know they can always come to you with questions or concerns. The more open and honest the conversation, the more comfortable they will feel approaching you in the future.

Starting this conversation early lays the foundation for trust and mutual respect. Your willingness to engage can make a lasting difference in helping your child navigate the pressures they may face.

Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America.

Enrique (Kiki) Camarena was a Drug Enforcement Administration Agent who was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. When he decided to join the US Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out of it. “I’m only one person”, he told her, “but I want to make a difference.”

On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent’s side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena’s body was found. He had been tortured to death.

In honor of Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Parents, sick of the destruction of alcohol and other drugs, had begun forming coalitions. Some of these new coalitions took Camarena as their model and embraced his belief that one person can make a difference. These coalitions also adopted the symbol of Camarena’s memory, the red ribbon.

In 1988, NFP sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration, which is celebrated from October 23-31 each year. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children and families. The National Family Partnership (NFP) and its network of individuals and organizations continue to deliver his message of hope to millions of people every year, through the National Red Ribbon Campaign®.

Learn more about the Red Ribbon Campaign ®. Download the Factsheet.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is an annual event that will be observed this year from March 17-23, 2025. Organized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this week-long initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of drug and alcohol misuse among teenagers. The goal of NDAFW is to provide young people with accurate, evidence-based information while encouraging open discussions about substance use. By doing so, it empowers teens to make informed decisions and challenge common myths about drugs and alcohol.

A central goal of NDAFW is to break down the misconceptions many teens may have about substance use. It challenges the social pressures, peer influence, and media portrayals that often glamorize or normalize substance abuse. By connecting young people with real, evidence-based information from scientists and health professionals, NDAFW helps debunk myths and equip teens with the knowledge they need to avoid risky behaviors.

Throughout the week, NIDA also encourages teens to engage in peer-to-peer education. This often involves activities such as “Fact vs. Myth” games, interactive challenges, and panel discussions where students can speak with experts or individuals in recovery. These conversations provide a safe space to explore the emotional, social, and psychological factors that may contribute to substance use and help students understand the long-term consequences of their choices.

NDAFW also highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for young people. It encourages parents, caregivers, and community leaders to get involved by fostering open communication and providing teens with the resources and guidance they need to resist substance use. The week aims to build a network of support that empowers teens to lead healthy, substance-free lives and make positive decisions about their future.

In addition to raising awareness, NDAFW helps to promote preventive measures and treatment resources for those who may already be struggling with substance use issues. By bringing attention to these topics in schools and communities, NDAFW plays a critical role in reducing substance use and promoting overall well-being among youth.

This year, National Tobacco Prevention Week will take place from February 17–23, 2025. This important week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and to actively work toward preventing it, especially among our youth. As we observe this week, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on how we can protect our children from the harmful effects of tobacco, including smoking and vaping.Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death, and unfortunately, many tobacco-related habits start during adolescence. The decisions your child makes today can significantly impact their long-term health and well-being. That’s why it’s essential to have open and honest conversations about tobacco use, its risks, and how to make healthy choices.

Why National Tobacco Prevention Week Matters:

• Health Risks: Tobacco use harms nearly every organ in the body, causing lung disease, heart problems, strokes, and cancers. Vaping, often thought of as a safer alternative, also presents serious risks to lung health and can lead to nicotine addiction.
• Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, and teens who use tobacco products can quickly become dependent. Once addicted, it becomes increasingly difficult to quit, and early nicotine use increases the likelihood of long-term addiction.
• Peer Pressure: Many teens face pressure from friends or social media to try smoking or vaping. This can make it harder for them to resist, so it’s vital that they feel empowered to say no to these harmful behaviors.

How You Can Help:

• Start the Conversation: Use National Tobacco Prevention Week as a catalyst to talk to your child about the risks of tobacco use. Discuss how smoking and vaping can impact their health, and ask them what they know about tobacco products. Be sure to listen actively to any concerns or misconceptions they may have.
• Provide Clear and Accurate Information: Many young people are unaware of how dangerous vaping and smoking can be. Help them understand that both smoking and vaping can lead to addiction, and emphasize the long-term health consequences, including lung and heart disease.
• Be a Positive Role Model: If you use tobacco products, this might be a great time to consider quitting or reducing your use. Your example can have a powerful influence on your child’s choices and mindset about tobacco.
• Build Confidence Against Peer Pressure: Help your child develop the confidence to resist peer pressure. Discuss situations where they might be offered tobacco products and role-play ways to say no. Remind them that true friends will respect their choices, and they always have the power to walk away from unhealthy situations.

Additional Resources:

If you need support or guidance in having these conversations, there are several resources available to help. You can explore online educational materials, local tobacco prevention programs, and counseling services that can assist you in supporting your child.As we approach National Tobacco Prevention Week from February 17–23, 2025, let’s take this opportunity to work together to protect our kids. By starting conversations, setting strong examples, and offering consistent support, we can help them make healthy, tobacco-free choices.

Join us for an informative and engaging evening focused on supporting youth mental health and well-being. This event, designed for APS District middle and high school students and their parents, will feature a variety of resources, expert insights, and interactive sessions to help families navigate important topics related to mental health, substance use, and technology’s impact on youth.

Event Details:

• Date: March 20, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Location: Dorothy Hamm Middle School
• Invitees: Open to APS District Middle and High School Students and Parents (Students must be accompanied by a parent)

The evening will begin with a Provider Showcase where attendees can meet local mental health and substance use providers, learn about available resources, and network with community experts. This will be followed by two rounds of Breakout Sessions, offering practical advice on coping strategies, parent-child communication, safety planning, and overdose prevention. Topics will include strategies for managing stress, techniques for starting tough conversations, and insights from local law enforcement on emerging community trends. One of the highlights of the evening will be the screening of “Screenagers: Under the Influence”, a documentary exploring how screen time, social media, and technology impact youth emotional and mental health. A brief discussion and Q&A will follow, providing a platform for attendees to share thoughts and ask questions. Additionally, the Panel Discussion will feature personal stories from individuals impacted by mental illness and substance use, offering a real-world perspective on recovery and coping strategies.  This event is an opportunity for families to connect, learn, and gain the tools they need to support youth well-being in today’s world. Key Features:

• Resource Fair: Meet with local mental health and substance use providers.
• Breakout Sessions: Choose from topics like safety planning, parent-child communication, and Narcan training.
• Documentary Screening: “Screenagers: Under the Influence” with a post-film discussion.
• Panel Discussion: Hear personal stories of mental illness and substance use recovery.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with experts, peers, and local service providers.

This event is designed to be both educational and empowering, offering attendees practical skills and valuable insights to help support youth mental health and well-being. We look forward to seeing you there!