Merry Winter Solstice!

 

Ok so we're a few days early but we want to wish you a Happy Winter Solstice! ❄ 

This Sunday, December 21, is the shortest day and longest night of the year. It's also the first day of winter, as the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun resulting in less sunlight. Living in the Sunshine State, we are fortunate to receive more sunshine and warm weather in the winter than the northern states. Winter Solstice here is only about 3 hours shorter than the longest day. 

So, enjoy your Winter Solstice Day with a nice walk in the morning or afternoon, and as the sun sets, stir of a cup of tea or hot cocoa, to celebrate our longest night of the year!🌛

Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe

 

It is said that your vibe attracts your tribe - in other words, the people you surround yourself with influence who you are and what you become.

Healthy relationships develop when there is mutual respect, understanding, and trust. Surround yourself with people who uplift and empower you. Invest time and effort in nurturing relationships with those who inspire you. Attend a networking event, join a professional group, and seek mentorship opportunities.

Truth is you don't need many people in your life, just the real ones who appreciate you for who you are and those who are good for your mental and emotional health. Set boundaries and don't be afraid to distance yourself from negative influences or toxic relationships with those who just want to keep you down. You deserve the best because you ARE the best! 💚

Read more about cultivating positive relationships

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-angry-therapist/202407/who-are-you-surrounding-yourself-with 

Holiday Crafting Activities for the Whole Family

 

Looking for family activities to enjoy over holiday break - how about a Craft Day? 

Our prevention partners at Informed Families have shared some fun and easy holiday craft ideas that spark inner creativity and strengthen bonds to promote health and wellness. These activities are more than just crafts, they can create joyful memories that may last the whole year through.

Research has shown that crafting can bolster mood, improve self-confidence, and reduce overall stress. More benefits include improving mental agility increasing gross and fine motor skills and decreasing cognitive decline. Arts and crafts provide kids with a sense of achievement and allow them to take pride in their work, which builds confidence. 

🎄Handprint Christmas Tree - this heartwarming craft not only fosters creativity but also serves as a beautiful symbol of family growth and unity. Using green construction paper, decorations, and a little imagination, families can create a unique tree that captures the essence of togetherness.

⛄Paper Plate Snowman - build a snowman that's simple and mess free. This craft is perfect for families with children of all ages. It encourages teamwork and allows children to express their creativity while enjoying quality time with their parents.

🌟DIY Holiday Ornaments - personalizing holiday ornaments is a great opportunity for family members to share stories and create new memories. Each ornament becomes a keepsake of love and family connection.

👪Festive Garland Making - engaging in this craft can enhance fine motor skills and promote a sense of accomplishment in children. As families, create these decorations together, they reinforce the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

IAA wishes you & your family the warmth of the holiday season!🎄Click here for Craft Activity explanations: https://www.informedfamilies.org/catalyst/holidaycrafts2023  

Stay Safe During National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month

 

This holiday season is filled with fun celebrations and we want you to enjoy them all - safely! Please be responsible and remember the dangers that come along with impaired driving during December's National Drug & Drugged Driving (3-D) Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the potentially devastating consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The effects of alcohol and drugs impair critical functions like decision-making, reasoning, and motor coordination - all essential for driving safely. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs in a person's system can significantly increase the risk of a crash. This is not just problem for those who drink; the ripple effects of these decisions impact families, communities, and society as a whole.

As you celebrate this holiday season, please remember to prioritize safety - arrange a designated driver, use a ride-share service, or simply choose not to drive if impaired. By making responsible choices, we can all play a role in keeping our roads safe!🚘

What Has UthMpact Leadership Class XV Been Up to?

 

The UthMpact Leadership program is designed to help teens develop critical leadership skills. Participants are nominated by school principals or community members. Once a month, the UthMpact Leaders travel throughout Polk County to experience the inner workings of local business, volunteerism, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. Teens also meet with community leaders to discuss challenges in the community and suggest proactive solutions.

This holiday season, we'd like to share some of the incredible training and leadership opportunities enjoyed by our student leaders who are currently taking part in the UthMpact Leadership Class XV program, presented by InnerAct Alliance and our generous community sector partners. UthMpact members had a busy Fall hosting Project Homecoming Shopping Dates, assisting at the Red Ribbon Run, and participating in monthly Leadership Days throughout Lakeland and Polk County. 

The images above highlight the Law Enforcement Leadership Day activities last month in which our student leaders enjoyed an inside look at many informative aspects of law enforcement throughout Lakeland and Polk County that even included being treated to lunch made by the inmates at the Polk jail. 

Special thanks to our amazing law enforcement partners for hosting our UthMpact Leaders of Tomorrow and educating them about the serviced provided to keep our community safe each and every day! 👮🚨🚔

Holiday Movies Can Be Healthy for You!

 

One of our favorite holiday traditions is coming together with family and friends to watch good old-fashioned Holiday movies. Classics like White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Elf, The Grinch, Home Alone, along with many other movies and kids holiday shows bring back the memories and comfort, but did you know they can actually be HEALTHY for you?

Studies have shown that watching your favorite movies can help relieve stress, boost your well-being, and even brighten your mood. Holiday movies have been linked to higher energy and sharper thinking.

If you find yourself getting a little stressed or longing for a break this busy time of year, here are a few ways that your favorite Holiday movies can actually support your health:

*Holiday movies can help you relax and turn down the noise - familiar characters, plots, and happy endings give your brain and body a break from the real-world craziness this time of year.

*Watching movies can help calm your nerves and even support healthier cortisol levels - cortisol is the body's main stress hormone. At a healthy range, cortisol helps your body achieve better sleep and increased energy.

*Movies give your mood a feel-good boost - when you watch something uplifting, your brain releases dopamine, a natural feel-good chemical that helps elevate your spirits. A healthy dose of dopamine can make your whole day feel easier, helping you stay motivated and focused. Watching a Holiday movie can even turn a challenging day into a better one!

*Brings back memories that matter - rewatching a classic movie stirs up feelings of nostalgia, those warm and meaningful memories that remind you of family connection and what's most important in life. A dose of nostalgia is known to support your overall emotional well-being. In fact, familiar memories can help ground you during stressful times and connect you to people you love.

Positive feelings of hope, gratitude, nostalgia, and laughter can actually support healthier blood pressure, calm your nervous system, and even strengthen your heart - best of all, it's a powerful reminder that when your brain is happy, your body is too! 

So, this weekend, plan a Family Holiday Movie Night - make some popcorn and hot chocolate, relax, and enjoy! 💚

DEA Reports a Decline in Fentanyl Pill Potency

 

There are some encouraging signs in the fight against fentanyl. The U.S. Justice Department of Drug Enforcement Administration reports that current seizures by DEA agents show a dramatic reduction in the average potency of illicit fentanyl pills in the United States for the first time since 2021.

Data from DEA national lab results on illegal fentanyl pills shows a drop in the lethal potency of drugs on the street from 76% two years ago in 2023 to 29% today in 2025. Additionally, fentanyl powder purity decreased to 10.3% - down from 19.5% during the same time period. 

The DEA attributes the decline in potency and purity to sustained enforcement and pressure on international supply chains that have blocked the global supply network of precursor chemicals from China to the Mexican border. This allowed the DEA to hit the illicit drug trade from every directions. As a result, the Mexican cartels have been forced to alter their operations, which includes diluting their product and even charging more per pill.

Additionally, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol reports that fentanyl seizures in the southern border are down by more than 50%. The DEA acknowledges this progress but reminds the public that illegal fentanyl continues to kill. Since 2021, synthetic opioids have claimed nearly 325,000 American lives. This past year, 50,000 people lost their lives to fentanyl poisoning. 

Just because potency may be diminished, that doesn't mean that these pills are safe. You still never know what kind of pill you may be getting.

The DEA continues to intensify enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns, such as the Fentanyl Free America initiative,  to address the ongoing crisis.

To learn more, visit: https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2025/12/03/dea-launches-fentanyl-free-america-initiative-combat-synthetic-drug-8 

Thanks to Those Who Attended IAA's Holiday Open House!

 

We appreciate all those who dropped by to share holiday cheer at the IAA Holiday Open House last evening - it was great seeing everyone and we are very grateful for the 40th Anniversary wishes, donations, and support!

Our sincere thanks to those who have championed the prevention mission and supported InnerAct Alliance since 1985 with donations of resources, time, or talent to help fund prevention programs, partner and participate in the Annual Red Ribbon Run, volunteer time, gift formal wear to the Project Prom and Project Homecoming effort, or simply like, comment, or share our social media and blog posts to help spread awareness. 

Your support makes everything we do possible...and we couldn't have done it without you! 🎀

TODAY is IAA’s Holiday Open House – Drop By Anytime 3pm-6pm

 

Today we invite you to drop by IAA's Holiday Open House any time between 3pm and 6pm at our newly-renovated office located at 621 S. Florida Avenue in Lakeland to celebrate our agency's 40th Anniversary! 

We'll share holiday treats, enjoy fellowship, and you'll have an opportunity to learn more about the free prevention education programs available in our community.

If you're not able to make it today and would like to support prevention of substance abuse in our community, please scan the QR code above, text IAA to 26989, or visit: https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

See You Later & Happy Holidays!

Join Us at the IAA Holiday Open House Tomorrow!

 

InnerAct Alliance invites the community to attend a Holiday Open House celebrating the agency's 40th Ruby Anniversary tomorrow, December 9, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The location is 621 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland. Please stop by to help us celebrate the holiday season and this special milestone and share holiday treats and fellowship.

For four decades, our agency's mission has been to encourage our community to strive for healthy choices such as prevention over intervention, positivity over scare tactic, and community investment over crisis management. The results speak for themselves in the thousands of students who have grown up making healthy choices because someone believed prevention could work.

If your means allow, please consider helping to empower the next 40 years of positive change - any gift, no matter the size - demonstrates that our community values prevention, supports youth leaders, and believes in the power of positive peer pressure. 

If you're not able to stop by tomorrow and would like to donate, please visit text IAA to 26989 or visit https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate.

Thanks to everyone who has supported us since 1985 through donations to fund prevention programs, sponsoring or participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Run, gifted gently used formal wear to the Project Prom/Project Homecoming effort, or simply liked, commented, or shared our social media or blog posts. Your support makes everything we do possible, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Holidays Are a Good Time to Talk to Your Kids

 

Alcohol is a part of many holiday traditions as folks enjoy a festive cocktail or toast in the New Year with friends and family. It is fine for adults who are drinking responsibly, but it is important to remember that children are careful observers of adult behavior. With this in mind, the holidays are a good time to talk with your children about drinking alcohol.

You want your children to be well-informed and that means knowing the risk of drinking alcohol long before they are tempted or faced with peer pressure. Tell them the facts and the dangerous effects of alcohol on their developing brain. 

Explain that the teen brain is still growing and changing until about age 24. Alcohol can cause permanent damage during this critical period of development. Repeated exposure to alcohol during adolescence can have long term negative effects on the brain, especially for mood and judgment. It could critically affect teens' ability to perform normal tasks, such as driving, doing math, and competing in sports.

Always remember that, as a parent, YOU play a major role in shaping your kids' attitude towards alcohol. Be firm that you don't want your child drinking AT ALL!

You Are Not Alone – Reach Out for Support

 

The Holiday season can be festive and full of joy, but around this time of year people may often experience stress, anxiety, pain, or loneliness. Try not to let yourself be defined by your past or by your challenges. Don't give up because inside, you are strong and still fighting. It's OKAY to feel your feelings.

Remember also to check in on your friends, loved ones, and others in your community - let them know they are not alone this season. Help is always available and healing is possible.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a great resource for support. SAMHSA leads public health and service delivery efforts to treat mental illness, prevent substance abuse and addiction, and offer treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring access and better outcomes for all.

Support is a click away
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help  

Be Aware of Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

 

We're quickly approaching the start of the Winter solstice, which takes place this year on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 10:03am Eastern Time in the Northern Hemisphere. With the fallback time change from daylight savings time a few weeks ago, it has become dark earlier in the evening and temperatures are cooling down. Did you know that the shorter days and colder temperatures can bring on symptoms of a type of seasonal depression?

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a condition in which some people experience a significant mood change when the seasons change. Typically, SAD occurs during the fall and winter months when there's less sunlight and days are shorter. SAD usually lifts during the spring and summer months. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but many of them are listed on the graphic above.

SAD may be effectively treated with a specific type of light therapy. Antidepressant medicine and talk therapy may be helpful to reduce SAD symptoms for some people. Additionally, vitamin D supplements may also help.  

Learn more about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how to get help if you're experiencing symptoms this season at https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder

10 Strategies to Help Teens Prevent Substance Abuse

 

Teen Drug Abuse is a pressing issue that raises concern among parents and health professionals.

During adolescence, the teen brain is still in the crucial stage of development making it vulnerable to the harmful effects of drug use. Scientific research has shown that the long-term consequences of teen drug use can cause severe impacts like deteriorating mental health, impaired cognitive functions, even problems with normal growth and delayed puberty.

Here are 10 strategies to help youth learn to resist peer pressure, abstain from drug use, and live a more balanced lifestyle:

*Resist peer pressure
*Refrain from substance use
*Seek professional help when needed
*Live a healthy, balanced lifestyle
*Foster strong family relationships
*Take time for self-care
*Learn healthy coping skills
*Educate on the dangers of drug use
*Take only prescribed medication
*Practice mindfulness activities

Strategies like these help teens learn to cope better in stressful situations, resist peer pressure, abstain from substance use, and live a healthy, balance lifestyle - that's what we want for all our kids!

Help Empower Youth to Make Healthy Choices

 

On this Giving Tuesday, your generosity can truly change the course of a young person's life. With 40 years of expertise providing services including science-based education in elementary, middle, and high schools, teen-driven social norms campaigns, informative presentations and family-oriented awareness events, InnerAct Alliance is encouraged by how well prevention works! 💪

When young people delay substance use until age 21 or older, their risk of developing addiction drops from 1 in 4 to 1 in 25. Your support fuels the education that helps families create those lifesaving delays.

Every gift matters! Please help empower resistance and resilience skills for students throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties to build confident leaders and create drug-free communities!

Make this Giving Tuesday count!

Text IAA to 26989 to donate or visit

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate  

Charity Begins at Home – Today is Giving Tuesday!

 

Today is Giving Tuesday - a day dedicated to giving back to the community! If holiday giving is part of your tradition and you'd like to make a meaningful impact in our community, InnerAct Alliance would greatly appreciate if you would please consider supporting our mission to empower every student in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties with resistance and resiliency skills attained from our free prevention education programs that help to build confident leaders and create drug-free communities!

Why Your Support Matters

*Free prevention education for thousands of students

*UthMpact teens become prevention champions 

*Prevention Works - 87% of Polk students reject Marijuana - 88% say no to Vaping

*Every dollar invested saves $7 in treatment costs

3 Ways to Give

*Make a one-time gift to honor IAA's 40th anniversary

*Become a monthly donor for year-round support

*Make a year-end gift of any size for Giving Tuesday

Next week, we invite you to join us at IAA's Holiday Open House on December 9, from 3pm to 6pm, at our office located at 621 S. Florida Avenue in Lakeland, as we celebrate our agency's 40th Anniversary and share holiday treats and fellowship. 

You may make a gift at https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate or
text IAA to 26989 to donate and get more involved!

Thank You

Celebrating 40 Years Strong!

 

Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are behind us but there's one more special day to make a lasting impact! 🙌

Tomorrow, December 2, is Giving Tuesday - and we are celebrating 40 years of prevention! For four decades, InnerAct Alliance has been Central Florida's trusted partner in keeping kids safe and drug-free.

Tomorrow you have an opportunity to make your impact count:

*$40 celebrates our 40th anniversary while funding prevention education

*$87 honors the 87% of students who are choosing healthy futures

*Any amount helps us continue to our mission to reach every student in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties with prevention education

Every dollar you invest in prevention saves $7 in treatment costs - that's smart compassion for our kids and our community.

Ready to give? 

Text IAA to 26989 or 

visit https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

Together we are not just preventing problems, we are building a generation of healthy, empowered youth leaders. Please join us in celebrating what works! 💓

In The News – IAA Warns Youth About Energy Drinks Infused w/Kratom

 

 CLICK: https://www.tampabay28.com/news/region-polk/experts-raising-awareness-on-addiction-associated-with-energy-drinks-containing-kratom

InnerAct Alliance's executive director, Angie Ellison, was featured in a Tampa Bay 28 TV news segment last week to help raise awareness about the addiction and health risks associated with "herbal supplement" energy drinks containing Kratom that are being sold in local gas station convenience stores, smoke shops, and online.

This is in response to a recent Health Alert in which experts warn that the synthetic form of Kratom may trigger the same brain receptors as opioid drugs like heroin and fentanyl. 

Doctors say that Kratom is a substance that can be dangerous when taken in excess. It can cause dependence and addiction - and when stopped, can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration is recommending that the synthetic ingredient be placed on the federal government's most restrictive list of illegal drugs. 

See our November 20 blog for information on the recent Health Alert
https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/2025/11/kratom-warnings-in-news-again.html 

Learn more about Kratom with a DEA Drug Fact Sheet available free to download and share with the young people in your life
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf