Red Ribbon Week 2025 Lesson Plans
Life is a puzzle. So is prevention.
Everything you need is right here, from videos to full lesson plans. It’s all designed to be plug-and-play, simple to use, and impactful. Our curriculum is designed for 4th – 12th grade students.
Curious how to use our resources?
Sign up here, and we’ll send you a short video with tips to make the
most impact this Red Ribbon Week.
How Our Program Works
Our youth drug prevention program is based on current scientific findings on youth
behavior, brain development, and the power of storytelling.
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Step 1 Watch
A Natural High Video
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Step 2 Discuss
Together As A Group
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Step 3 Go Deeper
Through Fun Activities
This week’s theme highlights five
key components of prevention:
Each day during Red Ribbon Week, students build real-life social and emotional skills that help them
make healthy choices and live drug-free. In just 15 minutes a day, they’ll practice:
- Self-awareness – Identifying what gives them purpose and motivation (Natural Highs)
- Social awareness – Understanding how peers and role models influence behavior (Social Learning Theory)
- Responsible decision-making – Challenging false norms and using real facts to guide choices (Social Norms)
- Relationship skills – Practicing how to say “no” clearly and confidently (Refusal Skills)
- Self-management – Considering their future self to make choices that align with their goals (Protective Factors)
Lesson Plans & Video Playlist – Grades 4-12
Every day this week, we’ll uncover one more “piece” that helps students build a life of meaning, purpose, and healthy choices.
Day 2: Brain Science Made Simple
Curious about how the brain reacts to different highs? Our whiteboard videos make this science super straightforward and engaging. We suggest you start with video 1 below, or you can watch all 3 (9 min total) – they’re short and will keep the conversation flowing.
The Science of Joy: Video #1 The Science of Joy
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Step 1: Watch 2 min 48 sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper 45-60 minutes View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1
What’s something you love doing that makes you feel proud or alive?
Question #2
How does having a passion help protect you from risky choices?
Question #3
Why is it important to know what feels rewarding or exciting to you?
Queen Harrison Queen Harrison
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Step 1: Watch 5min 55sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper 10-15 min View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1:
What’s a myth you’ve heard about drugs or alcohol?
Question #2:
How does it feel to know most teens actually don’t use them?
Question #3:
Why is it important to know the truth?
Mike Conley Jr. Pro Basketball Player
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Step 1: Watch 3min 01sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper 10-15 minutes View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video with your son or daughter:
Download PDFQuestion #1:
Why is it hard to say no sometimes?
Question #2:
What are ways to say no with confidence?
Question #3:
How can values help guide your choices?
Danyelle Wolf World Champion Boxer
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Step 1: Watch 3min 41sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1:
Who do you want to be in 5 years?
Question #2:
What choices would help that future-you become real?
Question #3:
Who in your life helps you stay true to your values?
Fentanyl Prevention Toolkit for Educators
Fentanyl is one of the biggest threats facing youth today. Our free Fentanyl Toolkit will help you talk with your students and give them the facts.
- Short, impactful videos
- Ready-to-use lesson plans (grades 6–12)
- Conversation guides for classrooms and families
- Kahoot! quiz
- Printable posters in English & Spanish
More Resources
Printable Lesson Plans & Much More
- How to use Natural High
- Sample parent letter
- 17 additional activity ideas
Have Students Pledge to Live Drug-Free
and Naturally High
Students can take the pledge online or print the pledge to display as a reminder
Printable Posters in English & Spanish
- Fentanyl Fact Sheet
- Fentapill Fact Sheet
- Parent Conversation Guide
Video: How To Make The Most Impact This Red Ribbon Week
Sign up to watch this short video on how to use our Red Ribbon Week lesson plans and resources.
- Only 4.5 minutes
- How to use the Natural High program in 3 easy steps
- Tips to make the most impact during Red Ribbon Week
- Highlight of this year’s activities and Storytellers
Red Ribbon Week Merch
Available Now
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and progress and to access our free content
Founder’s Story
Natural High was founded by entrepreneur Jon Sundt, who lost both of his brothers to drug addiction. After the loss, Jon became determined to turn this experience into positive change and made the decision to spend the rest of his life helping young people make better choices. He realized that simply shifting the way we engage youth could dispel the myth around drugs and alcohol. He began traveling to schools with local influencers and a slide projector at his side, hoping that his story could help save even one life.
Today, Natural High reaches young people around the country. What started in tragedy has now grown into a movement bringing hope and positive results to thousands of families. Two decades of youth are now thriving and choosing their Natural High over drugs and alcohol — all through the power of storytelling and positive example.