New Study Links Higher Youth Suicide Behaviors to Marijuana Use

 

According to our prevention partners at Drug Free America Foundation and Informed Families, a new study shows that between the years 2015 and 2019 suicide ideation and behaviors have increased for youth that used marijuana. 

As marijuana is further legalized in states across the U.S., so should public health and suicide prevention efforts be increased to help curb the rise in marijuana use among adolescents and educate youth to better understand the causal link between marijuana use and suicide ideation and behaviors. 

Risky behaviors are part of being a teen, as this is the time they tend to push boundaries to become more independent. It is more important than ever that parents and caregivers arm their kids with knowledge of ways to stay safe and understand how the gateway drugs of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana may adversely affect their growing bodies and brains.

Edible Marijuana Dangers for Kids

 

Marijuana (cannabis) is legal for medical or recreational use in most U.S. states. That means the availability of tempting treats that contain tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is on the rise. Unfortunately, so is the unintentional THC poisoning risk these products pose to kids.

This is just one more reason why it is such a bad idea to legalize marijuana: a recent report form the National Poison Data System (PNDS) found that calls to poison control centers about kids aged 5 & under accidentally consuming marijuana edibles rose from 207 in 2017 to 3,054 in 2021 - a 1,375 percent increase. In 98 percent of these cases, the victims found the edibles either at home or at a friend's house.

Marijuana can be dangerous in all forms for children and adults. That's why it is important for parents to understand just how much THC is contained in edible products and how THC is absorbed in the body. Edible marijuana products often look just like regular sweets and snacks, such as gummy candies, lollipops, fudge, and other candies. It can be added in baked goods, snack foods, and desserts such as cookies, brownies, popcorn, and ice cream, as well as in sweetened beverages like soda and lemonade.

Despite their ordinary appearances, just one cookie or candy bar laced with pot can contain several times the recommended adult dose of THC. A THC edible can produce overdose effects including intoxication, altered perception, anxiety, panic, paranoia, dizziness, slurred speech, poor coordination, excessive sleepiness, breathing or heart problems. Even using marijuana one time can alter motor control, coordination, and judgment - leading to unintentional injuries and death.

Although smoking pot takes just seconds to minutes, a THC edible typically takes 30-60 minutes after being eaten. The peak effect may occur 3-4 hours after ingesting. The fact that THC-laced edibles don't take effect quickly may lead to larger amounts ingested to try to "get high" - and this can lead to overdosing.

If your child has eaten an edible, try to find out how much they ate and how much THC the product contains. Call the FREE Poison Control Hotline - 1-800-222-1222 - for fast help. If symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.

Empower Yourself with a Positive Mindset

 

Daily affirmations are scientifically proven to have a positive effect on the brain as it builds new neural connections. Your mindset is one of the most powerful tools you have - it helps wire your brain, build self-esteem, and change negative thought patterns into positive ones.

Positive affirmations require regular practice to make lasting changes. Similar to how exercise can boost physical health, the practice of daily positive affirmations can boost overall mental health and well-being. When you practice building positive views like the ones suggested in the "I AM" graphic above, it creates a foundation for confidence and self-awareness that can help when you encounter criticism from others or face risky situations. 

As professional boxer and social activist Muhammad Ali once said, "It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen!"

Register FREE for Annual Prevention Summit – Tuesday, February 21

 
BE  IN  THE  KNOW!

ANNUAL PREVENTION SUMMIT

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023

CDC Report Shows Teens in Mental Health Crisis and Emotional Pain

 

The pandemic has taken a harsh toll on the mental health of U.S. teens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of more than 17,000 high school students showing that an alarming number of teens have reported being affected by incidents of sexual violence, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior, and other mental health woes. Especially concerning is the alarming trend of teen girls who reported experiencing record levels of sadness and sexual violence with nearly 3-in-5 teen girls (57%) saying that they feel “persistently sad or hopeless.”

The risk of suicide is the highest in at least a decade with 30% reporting that they have seriously considered attempting suicide. This is double the rate among teen boys and up almost 60% over the past 10 years. Almost half of LGBTQ students are also facing mental health challenges that include considering a suicide attempt.

This is the first data collected since the start of the pandemic, with isolation, online schooling, and increased reliance on social media over the past few years only making mental health matters worse for many kids.

Kids need to know that it’s okay not to be okay. And that there is HOPE and HELP available…only 3 digits away. 9-8-8 is the new dialing code to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now called the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, across the U.S. The Lifeline provides 24-hour confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional stress. A simple call or text to 988 will connect callers to trained counselors who will listen, provide support, and offer resources as needed. Support is also available via live chat.

For more information and resources, visit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at www.nami.org or National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

Countdown to Prom is Underway...Shop for Formal Wear FREE!

 

2023 Project Prom Shopping Days

 

Countdown to Prom is underway! Unfortunately for some teens, the expenses associated with attending this milestone social event may be out of reach. InnerAct Alliance and the UthMpact coalition are proud to continue the Project Prom effort, now in its 11th year, to provide free formal wear to deserving high school students and educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. 

Student Shopping Days will take place on Saturdays: March 4, March 18, April 1, and April 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Project Prom Store at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillards). Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits at no cost.  

Since 2013, over 5,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to teens in Polk County. Community members may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, men’s suits, shoes, and accessories. Especially needed are women’s dresses in larger sizes and men’s suits in smaller sizes. Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays). 

UthMpact’s goal is promote a safe and fun Prom Night. For more information, please visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777.

Happy Valentine's Day from InnerAct Alliance!

This Valentine’s Day, 

Remember to show Yourself

some love too! 💗 

Happy Valentine’s Day from

 the Staff at InnerAct Alliance!

Register FREE for the Annual Prevention Summit on February 21, 2023

 

InnerAct Alliance, along with event co-sponsors the Drug Free America Foundation, StandUP Polk, and UthMpact, are proud to present the Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit on Tuesday, February 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the W. H. Stuart Conference Center in Bartow. This will be the first in-person summit held since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event will provide timely overviews of important prevention issues facing our community. Dr. Dennis Embry from PAX-The Good Behavior Game, a foremost expert in the science behind prevention and behavioral health, will be a special guest speaker at the Summit. InnerAct Alliance prevention specialists teach PAX, a successful environmental intervention proven to increase academic success, improve mental health outcomes, and prevent risky behaviors, to students in several local elementary schools. Dr. Embry will host a meet and greet following the Summit from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. His biography is attached.         

The Annual Prevention Summit presents an opportunity for Teachers, School Resource Officers, Administrators, Counselors, Social Workers, Psychiatrists, and Prevention Specialists to gain up-to-date information with a realistic view of youth culture, emerging trends, social media and its connection to risky behaviors, and other topical issues.

Admission is FREE for those who pre-register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-upside-prevention-summit-tickets-536074943587 Breakfast and lunch are included.

Own The Upside was initiated by the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties, Florida. It was founded on the Positive Community Norms Theory. Science shows us that the discouraging news we often hear in media and society may tend to make us forget that there are encouraging positives to celebrate what we refer to as the “Upside.” Data collected annually via the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) reports that most kids don’t engage in risky behaviors. Attitudes about abuse are shaped well before children reach adulthood. Own The Upside believes we can impact children’s lives now by supporting and investing in prevention programs and services that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and empower youth to make positive healthy choices. While this training will educate the public about some of the negative trends, we will also remind those on the front line that MOST are making the right decisions. Please join us on February 21st to be better informed!

 

Remember to Love YOURSELF this February

 

February is a month that celebrates love. But February is not just about valentines, flowers, and chocolate, it’s also International Boost Self-Esteem Month. The first step to building healthy self-esteem is making a conscious effort to enhance your well-being by getting enough rest and giving yourself the time, love, and attention needed to recharge your mind, body, heart, and spirit.

Self-care is especially beneficial for students to help reduce stress, avoid burnout, and enhance overall health. If you're looking for simple ideas to incorporate into your daily routine, some of the suggestions in the February Self-Care graphic from Positively Present may help reduce your stress and enhance your overall wellbeing so you can be more successful in and out of the classroom. 

According to suggestions from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), practicing self-care can help you to better adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. So, take a few minutes this month to invest in yourself by making time for self-care activities that will keep you on track and feel more productive, focused, and fulfilled!

Be Mindful of Internet Influences

 

A recent Fact Check video presented by the Partnership to End Addiction focused on the link between Social Media and Substance Use. It brought to light some powerful truths that, for some teens, the line between the virtual world and the real world may sometimes become blurry.

Although social apps and websites may be marketed as a safe and fun online place to interact with family and friends, there is also a dark side that can shape the way teens feel about substance use. Social media may influence teens to experiment with dangerous substances such as alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Kids are influenced by images of young people partying and may think that is the only way to have a good time. Some companies, such as electronic cigarette producer JUUL, take advantage of this to market addictive substances to children and teens even though it is illegal to do so. Marketing tricks like hiring social media influences to promote vaping products and offering promotional giveaways to attract school-aged students have helped create a new generation of youngsters hooked on nicotine.

Children and teens need adult guidance when it comes to the realities and dangers of social media usage. What you post can adversely affect important relationships, hinder potential job opportunities, and impede your goals. A good tip is to get in the habit of pausing for a minute to think before posting to avoid sharing impulsive images and messages that you may later regret.

What Can Parents & Caregivers Do to Keep Their Children Safe?

*Keep a watchful eye on your child’s social media use to be aware of the sites they may be visiting

*Discuss potential dangers of interacting with people they don’t know over social media

*Help teens think through consequences of online actions and dangers of participating in trending challenges

*Remind youth that what others post may be how they want things to appear and not reflect reality

Parents should remind their teens that after scrolling the internet, they will return to living in the real world. And that's the world in which we need to live our lives - not the virtual one.

For more tips and resources to keep your children safe and drug free, visit www.drugfree.org

February Celebrates Black History Month

 

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the contributions and achievements of African Americans and a time to recognize their central role in our history.

Since 1976, every U.S. President has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also hold month-long black history month celebrations.

Here are a few facts to know about Black History Month:

* Black History Month began as Negro History Week in 1926 and expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976.

* Student Activism on the campus of Kent State University by members of the Black United Students (BUS) in the late 1960s led to the establishment of Black History Month. 

* Black History Month is celebrated in February to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring freedom for enslaved Americans, and Frederick Douglass, a former American slave who became a renowned abolitionist, speaker, and writer.

* Black History Month Themes change yearly. The 2023 theme is Black Resistance calling to mind resistance of acts of oppression, injustice, discrimination, and racism and pursuit of equity for African Americans through the years. 

* During the Civil Rights Movement, Black leaders and activists brought national attention to Black struggles. Black History Month recognizes those who have contributed to impactful growth and inspired change across our nation.

Black History Month is a time for us to reflect on the past and continue to work toward a better, more equitable future!