Resources for Families Coping with Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders

 

Families share an important bond that can be used to support one another during challenging times, such as when a loved one is drinking too much, using drugs, or dealing with mental health or substance use disorders. 

Often, family members are the first to notice when loved ones are experiencing changes in mood or behavior. When adolescents start behaving differently for no apparent reason - such as acting withdrawn, being unusually tired, depressed, or hostile - it could be a sign they are developing a drug-related problem.

Other telltale signs and behaviors associated with substance use and related problems may include: a change in peer group - being careless with grooming - decline in academic performance - missing classes or skipping school - loss of interest in favorite activities - trouble in school or with the law - changes in eating/sleeping habits - deteriorating relationships with family & friends.   

It can be difficult to support a loved one through a struggle with substance abuse. The process can be further complicated when the person refuses to accept help. This is when it's important to reach out to connect with helpful resources and services, while also continuing to provide love and support. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - a free and confidential treatment referral and information service that is available 24/7, 365 days-a-year in English and Spanish.

SAMHSA also offers online resources for families who are coping with mental and substance use disorders. To access resources, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/children-and-families/coping-resources and find treatment options:  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment

  

Remember, always call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing an overdose, mental health crisis, or other serious emergency.

Nicotine Pouches: A Growing Danger to Young Children

 

If you or someone you know has tried to quit smoking, you have likely heard about Nicotine Pouches. Now, a new study published in Pediatrics, a journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows nicotine pouches are becoming a growing source of nicotine poisoning among young children in cases reported to U.S. poison control centers - mostly since 2016.

From 2010 to 2023, U.S. Poison Control Centers reported 134,663 cases of nicotine poisonings among children under the age of 6 who accidently ingested nicotine. Cases included exposures to nicotine in various ways including pouches, chewing tobacco, regular cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine replacement products like gum and lozenges. Researchers found that nicotine pouches, like the popular brand Zyn, are behind the most significant rise in accidental nicotine poisonings among young children.

New research showed a rise from 0.48 per 100,000 children in 2020 to 4.14 per 100,000 in 2023 - an increase of 763% in just 3 years. Findings correlate with a surge in the sales of nicotine pouches that are appealing to youth because they typically contain mint and fruit flavorings that taste good.

Nicotine is a chemical that is highly toxic - it increases heart rate and blood pressure and could lead to nausea, vomiting, or even coma. Researchers also reported other side effects, such as trouble breathing and seizures.

It is critical that we continue to educate parents, childcare workers, and healthcare providers about the health risks associated with use of these products among children. Babies and toddlers are most vulnerable since they tend to explore their world by putting things in their mouth and canisters containing nicotine pouches are not child-resistant. 

Teens are also drawn to this product because use is relatively easy to hide from parents. Parents should talk to their kids about products like this and continue open dialogue in a nonjudgmental way in order to ascertain any risk. It's also a good idea to keep the national, toll-free Poison Help Line phone number handy at home and on your cellphone - 1-800-222-1222.

Read about Nicotine Ingestions Among Young Children

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/doi/10.1542/peds.2024-070522/202640/Nicotine-Ingestions-Among-Young-Children-2010-2023? 

View an NBC News health report on the Study

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nicotine-patch-poisonings-children-vape-liquid-warning-rcna218262

Hot Tips for Staying Active in Summer Heat

 

This time of year offers great opportunities for your whole family to be active and connect while enjoying the warm summer sun. Outdoor exercise is beneficial for your heart, muscles, and bones and it is also a healthy boost for your mind and spirit. Heat, humidity, and high temps can put extra strain on your body causing you to sweat and breathe more heavily. 

Don't let the summer heat melt your motivation - here's some hot tips to look cool and stay active whether you're at the beach, exploring nature trails, or enjoying your favorite outdoor activities.

Dress for Weather - clothing can help you beat the summer heat. Choose lightweight fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin. Use a head-covering like a hat made of breathable material or a visor to keep the sun off your face. Consider a portable battery-operated fan that attaches to the brim of a hat/visor or can be hung around your neck.

Seek Shade - local parks often offer shaded nature walks, bike paths, and trails that provide protection from the hot sun. Morning and late evening are the best time to be outdoors and avoid the heat of the day.

Scale Back - when summer heat is at its highest, be sure to scale back on strenuous activities and training. Opt for short bouts of outdoor exercise and strive for consistency rather than intensity.

Stay Hydrated - keep a water bottle filled and sip as you work throughout the day. Aim to drink 8-12 ounces of fluids every 20 minutes while exercising. Add zing to your water with a splash of lemon, lime, or fruit juices to liven up the flavors.

Most of all, remember to apply sunscreen and enjoy summer fun! 🌞

Embrace Optimism & Power of Positive Thinking

 

Positive vibes on a sunlit Friday offer a great opportunity to embrace optimism. We appreciate our friends @ Positively Present for sharing this bright graphic to inspire positive thinking. As suggested in the words contained within the sun's rays, "Optimism isn't an escape from reality. It's an arrival at a place that already exists in your mind. A place where you can see possibilities, discover hope, and seek positive change."🌞

Winston Churchill was a firm believer in being the optimist who sees the opportunity in every difficulty. Optimism does not mean living in a fantasy world or turning a blind eye to reality. Instead, it can be a tool to help balance our perspective.⚖ 

Start by focusing on mindfulness and strength to reframe any negative thoughts. This type of proactive mindset can help us learn to embrace what's possible and see challenges as opportunities for growth and success.

In many ways, optimism may be just what we need in today's fast-paced and uncertain world. It can be a true light to help brighten the path to positive change by believing in what is possible as we continue to actively seek solutions.💡

We All Have a Duty to Drive Safe This Summer!

 

According to AAA, accidents involving teen drivers spike this time of year - especially the time from Memorial Day to Labor Day that safety experts often refer to as the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer." In Florida, the danger doesn't just start in the summer but continues year-round due to our area's constant mix of out-of-town drivers, older drivers, and inexperienced teen drivers - a perfect storm of risk factors.

We all have a duty to drive safely. When it comes to teens, overconfidence can be common because although youth feel ready to drive, their inexperience behind the wheel can result in slower reaction times. Underdeveloped judgment is also a biological reality because the part of the brain responsible for impulse control and decision-making (the prefrontal cortex) does not fully mature until the mid-20s. Peer passengers add risk and distractions from phone and loud music raise the odds of something going wrong. Speeding makes things worse - the faster you go, the less time you have to react. Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or even over-the-counter medication increases the dangers - impairment begins with the first drink/dose - it doesn't take much to lose focus or control of the vehicle.

Don't stop parenting when your teen gets behind the wheel - this is when your guidance matters most to help your teen become a safe driver. Set clear rules about where, when, and with whom your teen can drive. Model good driving behavior and ride along often, even after they get their license. Point out strategies for handling emergencies and making tough choices.

As part of their social norms campaigns shared with youth in our community, UthMpact teen leaders have developed a "Your Future is Deer!" message to remind peers of important safety measures to follow before they get behind the wheel. The focus is on driving responsibly and defensively - most of all, NOT driving distracted. When on the roads, buckle up, obey the speed limit, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This also includes riding in a car driven by an impaired driver. We want you to stay safe this summer!

Today’s a Great Day to Start a Conversation About Drugs & Health

 

Summer break offers well-deserved down time but as most parents and caregivers know, the job of parenting never really takes a day off because our kids' health and safety is always top priority.

InnerAct Alliance and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) encourage parents to take opportunities over the summer to have important conversations with teens about their health using simple facts and evidence-based information. NIDA has compiled a list of answers to teens' 10 most frequently asked questions about drugs to use as conversation starters and inspire communication with your children.

Kids can be curious about why some people use drugs - the best way to answer is to explain we all make choices that affect our health. Some think substances may help them deal with challenges, escape from reality, relieve pain, or fit in with others. Even when users want to quit, they may still struggle to stop using alcohol and other drugs. This is because repeated use causes changes in the brain that make it hard to stop.

Addictive drugs can cause the brain to release dopamine, a chemical released after pleasurable and satisfying activities. Repeated drug use floods the brain with dopamine and can change how the brain responds - this often results in needing more drugs to produce the same effect. Without more drugs, people may experience withdrawal symptoms causing stress, anxiety, depression, or physical effects like sweating, vomiting, and pain. This dangerous cycle of drug use and withdrawal can disrupt normal brain function so that people aren't able to experience pleasure in their lives and more drugs are needed.

The best way to avoid substance use disorder is not to ever start. Share the good news that most Polk County teens are making the right choices by choosing not to drink, smoke, or use substances. Knowing the truth can help kids avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident in making more informed personal decisions after knowing and considering all he facts. 

For answers to questions teens
may have about substance use visit:

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/education/conversation-starters/10-questions-teens-ask-about-drugs-and-health

 

Save the Date: IAA’s Red Ribbon Run on October 25th

 

Exciting plans are coming together for InnerAct Alliance's Red Ribbon Campaign in our community this fall to prevent harm and promote health. The 2025 Red Ribbon Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, will take place on Saturday, October 25th with FREE REGISTRATION for the Kids Fun Run for K-8 Students, along with a Family Fun Run for parents/adults to run or walk with their children ($5 fee). Participants will be treated to healthy snacks, fitness activities, and festive entertainment celebrating different cultures in the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Plus, we will be celebrating InnerAct Alliance's 40th "Ruby" Anniversary!

Awesome Business Sponsorship Opportunities available! - the Red Ribbon Run presents a great opportunity for local businesses to support prevention of substance abuse, sponsor a race heat, and promote their products and services by sponsoring a booth. Contact Angie Ellison, IAA Executive Director, at (863) 802-0777 for more details!

Share your Talents & Create International Displays! - individuals and groups are invited to showcase their unique talents in music, dance, and performance as part of the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour celebration of different cultures and traditions during the Red Ribbon Run festivities. Call the IAA office at 802-0777 for more information!

Plan to bring the whole family to the 2025 Red Ribbon Run to support substance abuse prevention in our community. Stay tuned for registration details and information to be announced soon on the InnerAct Alliance website and social media.

Event Website

www.inneractalliance.org

Visit Us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance/