Tuesday focuses on honest, open conversations about substance use. Educational materials cover ACEs, dual diagnosis, stigma, psychotropic medications, and the dangers of mixing substances. Participants explore resources for talking to their children about drugs and are invited to write their own story as a healing and prevention tool. 

🔴 Tuesday- Let’s Talk About Drugs

Justice-Involved Red Ribbon Week 

Focus of the Day

Tuesday is centered on honest, open conversations — about drugs, about trauma, and about the stories that led people here. One of the most powerful tools we have in prevention is open communication, and today is all about helping participants and families feel more comfortable having those conversations.

What’s in Today’s Folder

• ACEs and Justice-Involved Substance Use — how childhood trauma shapes outcomes

• Inspirational Quotes — for posting, journaling, or group sharing

• Open Talk folder: Stigma, Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health & ACEs, Psychotropic Medications, Dangers of Mixing Medications

• Substance Withdrawals folder: Information sheets for Alcohol, Benzodiazepine, K2, and Opioids

• Talking to Children folder: Guides for justice-involved parents, Al-Anon resources, DEA materials

• Tuesday Journal Prompts

Participant Reflection Activity

Participants are encouraged to take time today to write their story — about their experiences, struggles, or lessons learned related to drugs. This is personal, voluntary, and can serve as:

• A healing tool for processing their own journey

• A letter to themselves

• A message to loved ones to be shared when and if they feel ready

Why This Matters

Normalizing conversations about drugs breaks down shame and builds trust. Whether it’s preparing to reconnect with children or simply processing their own journey, participants’ voices and experiences matter — and telling their story can be the beginning of healing.

🔴 Tuesday Activities

Let’s Talk About Drugs!

📚 Education & Resources

• Explore resources on mental health, substance abuse, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

• Learn how to talk to your children about drugs and making healthy choices.

• Read the Open Talk resources on stigma, dual diagnosis, and mental health.

📝 Personal Reflection

• Write your story — share your experience, growth, or reasons for living drug free.

• Complete today’s journal prompts to reflect on choices, goals, and resilience.

🗣️ Open Conversation

• Start a conversation with a peer about how drugs have impacted your life or community.

• Discuss: What does it mean to break the cycle of addiction in your family?

• Share one thing you wish someone had told you earlier about substance use.

📓 Tuesday Journal Prompts

Let’s Talk About Drugs

Why Journal?

A journal can be your best friend when you’re dealing with emotions that are difficult to share. Write at your own pace and frequency. No perfect spelling required. No right or wrong answers. Just honesty with yourself.

Before You Begin: There Are No Rules

• Write in any style that feels right — sentences, words, doodles, or all three

• Skip pages, write sideways, change pen colors — this space is yours

• Be honest with yourself. No one else needs to read what you write.

• Even 10 minutes a day can make a real difference

Focusing on the Present

• What are you grateful for in your life right now?

• What small victories or accomplishments are you celebrating?

• What are you looking forward to in the next week or month?

• What is one manageable goal you want to accomplish in the next 6 months?

• What do you appreciate about your body or your strength?

Reflecting on the Past

• What are some lessons you’ve learned in your recovery journey?

• What is one thing you do better now than you did before recovery?

• What is a past regret that you’ve grown from?

• Write a letter to your younger self, expressing gratitude for their strength.

Looking to the Future

• What are you excited about for the future?

• Who do you want to be for the people you love?

• What kind of story do you want to tell about this chapter of your life?

• What would your life look like if everything went the way you hoped?