Today, students in New England get a lesson from some unique guests...

They are celebrating Red Ribbon Week.

A week to bring awareness of drugs and alcohol...

And they're learning from those who know all too well what happens when you use...

Reporter Kate Schell has the story.

They've battled drug addition for years..

(Stephanie Yellow Bird/Inmate) "I went from marijuana to methanphetamines. I started using meth when I was 18 years old and at the time it was just a fun party thing to do..hey you can take this and stay up and part for days 16:26 (Natasha Royce/Inmate) "Your body gets run down and it takes a toll on you and pretty soon you end up in jail and places like this. You miss your freedom and you're wondering what your baby is doing, what this person is doing and pretty soon you're alone

But, today Natasha and Stephanie are not alone. They're joining students in New England and talking about the dangers of drug use

20:02 (Natasha Royce/Inmate) "I want them to do something they enjoy and stick with it. Do something they want to do with themselves you know what I mean? And not be scared to be like hey I dont want to do that. Just because someone else is doing it and they dont like it and dont want to...dont. You know what I mean? If someone makes them feel messed up about not wanting to do it, obviously that person ain't right for them or that ain't a friend because you know what, a friend would be like hey man thats ok." 4:17(Jordyn Bender/New England High School Senior) "You dont really think of it until you hear if from people that its actually happened to. It really gets to you. I get emotional when I hear it because hearing their stories and knowing that they go through." Talking to kids really hits home for both of these women...they've had to leave their own children behind as they now sit behind prision walls..

28:25 (Stephanie Yellow Bird/Inmate) "I put my kids through a lot. Basically what I want other kids to know, you know, be yourself. Don't follow everyone else because following them can take you bad places

It's advice that many students we spoke with say they'll take.

5:24 (Jordyn Bender/New England High School Senior) "You know that they went through it. Everything they're saying is true and its so much different from someone who has actually went through it

Only time will tell if these students, and even the inmates, will choose to use....Although, for today an effort was made from both sides...to avoid that permantely

With KX News, Im Kate Schell. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list