RED RIBBON WEEK PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON DRUG PROBLEMS

Since its beginning 18 years ago, the Red Ribbon Week, which is being
observed at this time, has touched the lives of millions of people.
The observation began after the murder of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a
Drug Enforcement agent assigned to a case in Mexico.

Angered by the brutal murder and the destruction caused by substance
abuse in America, the young people of his hometown of Calexico,
Calif., began wearing red ribbons. The National Family Partnership and
its affiliated organizations soon picked up on the movement and began
to wear red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to fight the
illegal use of drugs. That symbol remains today as millions don the
red ribbon to show their support for substance abuse prevention.

The theme for Red Ribbon Week 2004 is "Drug Free: I have the power!"

And the message to all of us should be that while this project
involves millions of people and is a major national event, each
individual can make a difference.

Be aware of signs that may indicate that a family member or friend is
using drugs and drinking too much alcohol.

If your friend or loved one has one or more of the following signs, he
or she may have a problem with drugs or alcohol: getting high on drugs
or getting drunk on a regular basis, lying about drug or alcohol use,
avoiding you and others in order to get high or drunk, giving up
activities, believing that in order to have fun they need to drink or
use marijuana or other drugs, pressuring others to use drugs or drink,
getting into trouble with the law, taking risks, sudden mood changes,
changes in personality, inability to get along with others, unexpected
poor performance at school or work and feeling run-down, hopeless,
depressed or even suicidal.

If you suspect that someone has a problem or that you do, seek
help.

Your first step probably should be to contact a qualified alcohol and
drug professional in your area who can give you further advice.

There are numerous national, state and local organizations, treatment
centers, referral centers and hot lines throughout the country.

Treatment programs offer organized and structured services with
individual, group and family therapy for people with alcohol and drug
abuse problems.

Using drugs or alcohol doesn't help people escape your problems, it
will only create more.

If you know someone with a drug problem, be part of the solution. Urge
your friend to get help.

If you fear that you might have a problem, reach out for
help.

If you want to help address the overall problem, join the Red Ribbon
Week awareness effort and support local agencies and programs that
help to educate people about drug abuse and help to combat drug and
alcohol abuse.