Red Ribbon Week 2025: Help Students Build a Life They’re Excited About

Every October, schools across the country take part in Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31). It’s a chance to talk about healthy choices and substance prevention. 

With Natural High’s Red Ribbon Week 2025 program, your students will spend about 20-25 minutes a day learning how to make decisions they’ll feel good about. 

This isn’t just awareness. It’s action. And it sticks.  

Why It Works

This week is built around five social and emotional skills that research shows protect youth:

• Self-awareness
• Social awareness
• Responsible decision-making
• Relationship skills
• Self-management

Students don’t just learn facts. They build skills they can use.

What to Expect from the 5-Day Natural High Experience

This program is made for middle and high school students. Each day, students focus on one skill that helps protect them from risky behavior. They’ll reflect, watch a short video, and have a meaningful conversation with their peers.

No lectures. No scare tactics. Just real stories, practical tools, and a focus on purpose and connection.

This program has been used by thousands of educators across the country. It’s free, easy to use, and based on what actually works.

How to Get Started

The Red Ribbon Week 2025 toolkit includes:

• Five short videos from inspiring role models
• Daily discussion questions and activities
• A simple guide for educators

There’s no prep required. Everything is ready to go.

View The Free Lesson Plan Here

Daily Themes Backed by Research

Day 1: Discover What Lights You Up

Focus: Self-awareness

Students explore what makes them feel alive. Whether it’s basketball, music, hiking, or gaming, these passions are called Natural Highs. Identifying these helps students see what gives their life meaning.

The research:
Students who feel connected to a sense of purpose are less likely to use substances. That’s supported by Positive Youth Development theory and research from the Search Institute. These passions act as protective factors.

When kids know what drives them, they make better choices.

Day 2: Learn from People Who Inspire You

Focus: Social awareness

Students hear from musicians, athletes, artists, and creators who share how they stay focused and drug-free. These are stories from real people who made hard choices and stuck to what mattered.

The research:
Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory shows that people learn behavior by watching others. Students pay attention to people they admire. When those people model positive habits, it makes a lasting impact.

Role models shape what feels possible.

Day 3: Know What’s Real and What’s Not

Focus: Responsible decision-making

Students learn how common myths about drug use spread. They look at real data and compare it to what they think is true. Most are surprised by what they find.

The research:
Social Norms Theory explains that young people often think more of their peers are using drugs than actually are. This false belief adds pressure. When students see the facts, their choices shift.

Truth clears the fog.

Day 4: Say No in a Way That Feels Right

Focus: Relationship skills

Students explore real-life ways to say no without drama or discomfort. They try out different phrases and practice standing their ground.

The research:
Refusal skills training is a key part of prevention programs. Students who practice what to say are more likely to respond confidently in real situations.

Saying no is easier when you’ve said it before.

Day 5: Picture Who You Want to Be

Focus: Self-management

Students reflect on their future. Where do they want to go? What do they want to create? They connect that vision to the decisions they make today.

The research:
Long-term thinking (also known as Future Orientation) is a strong protective factor. When students can imagine a future they care about, they are less likely to take risks that could harm it. Thinking ahead builds motivation and direction.

Today’s choices shape tomorrow’s reality.

Your Turn

How do your students connect to this message? What are their Natural Highs?

We’d love to hear how your classroom is celebrating Red Ribbon Week. Share your stories and tag us on social media @livenaturallyhigh.

Let’s help every student discover a reason to stay drug-free and live a life they’re proud of.