10 Ways for Teens to Prevent Drug Abuse

 

Drug abuse in teens 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. Long-term consequences of teen drug use can cause severe impacts which may include deteriorating mental health, impaired cognitive functions, even problems with normal growth and delayed puberty.

Here are 10 strategies to prevent substance abuse in teens that can help them resist peer pressure, abstain from drug use, and live a more balanced lifestyle:

1. Resist peer pressure

2. Abstain from drug use

3. Seek professional help when needed

4. Live a healthy, balanced lifestyle

5. Foster strong family relationships

6. Take time for self-care

7. Learn healthy coping skills

8. Educate on the dangers of drug use

9. Take only prescribed medication

10. Practice mindfulness activities

These strategies may help teens to better cope in stressful situations when they encounter them as well as assist them in resisting peer pressure, abstaining from drug use, and living a more healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Prevention Begins at Home: Stay Vigilant During Cold & Flu Season

 

Thanks to our friends at Partnership to End Addiction for sharing this informative graphic with results from Monitoring the Future's latest nationwide survey showing the emergence of a recent trend: 8th graders are now misusing cough and cold medicines at higher rates than 10th and 12th graders. 

Although rates are low relative to other substances, this trend does not follow the typical pattern of any other substance (except inhalants), as older students tend to have higher rates of substance use than younger students.

Prevention begins at home! Now that it's cold and flu season, stay vigilant about what is accessible in your home and medicine cabinet. Keep all medication out of the reach of children and teens. This is also a good reminder to talk to your children at early ages about substance use and misuse - even OTC medicines used to treat the common cold and flu can be risky if not taken as directed.

For other helpful tips, visit

https://drugfree.org/prevention-and-early-action/

Gratitude is the Best Attitude!

 

Thanksgiving is the obvious time of the year that people start to think about what they are grateful for. Gratitude involves showing appreciation for the things in life that are meaningful or valuable to us. 

Taking a moment to notice and acknowledge the things we are grateful for each day can brighten our outlook, boost our mood, and help us feel more positive in the face of challenges. In these days leading up to Thanksgiving next Thursday🦃, let's try practicing gratitude in some of the following ways:

*Reflect on the good things in your life and the challenges you overcame to get there

*Savor the good things whenever you get the chance and let yourself fully enjoy them

*Tell your loved ones that you appreciate them, either in person, on the phone, or in a letter

*Write down 5 things you are grateful for at the end of every day

Gratitude is much more than a feel-good emotion. Studies show that practicing gratitude is linked to numerous health benefits as well. Feelings of gratitude help regulate cortisol production in your brain and reduce anxiety and stress. It also helps boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and improve heart health and sleep quality.

As you notice health benefits increase, stress levels drop, and relationships strengthen, you'll have even more reasons to be grateful!😊 

Be On Your Own Side!

 

Being on Your Own Side is all about giving up on the inner critic that turns you against yourself and spreads negativity. Instead, try to focus on positive thoughts that help you be yourself, trust in your abilities, and support your endeavors - not only in actions but also in thought and spirit.🧡

Starting today, try shifting your mindset to let go of the judgment that holds you back. Take satisfaction from the hard work you do instead of focusing on things that you have not yet accomplished.

We wish you the courage to Be who you are - Be on your own side - and Know that you are AWESOME!

Students Who Learn Good Social Skills at an Early Age Succeed as Adults

 

A study of 800 children conducted over a period of 20 years from kindergarten through age mid-20's found that those who learned social skills of helpfulness and caring at an early age were more likely to have achieved success by early adulthood. Youngsters who had problems resolving conflicts, sharing, cooperating and listening were less likely to have completed high school or college, and more likely to have problems with substance abuse.

The study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, highlights the connection between brain health and a person's overall health. Researchers found that success in school involved both social-emotional and cognitive learning. When children learn to interact effectively with peers and control their emotions, it can impact how their adult lives take shape. 

InnerAct Alliance is blessed with an amazing staff and teachers who present prevention education programs like Keep A Clear Mind, Too Good for Drugs, Project ALERT, as well as social norms to students in Polk County Schools. These best practice education programs have proven to positively influence students' attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions regarding alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other substance use and risky behaviors.

For younger children, our agency also offers a fun and impactful program that features instruction by a humane educator using high quality, age-appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and activities to reinforce healthy ways to show kindness, interact with peers, and promote animal welfare. Learn more about our free education programs by calling IAA at (863) 802-0777.

Resource

http://www.upworthy.com/researchers-studied-kindergarteners-behavior-and-followed-up-19-years-later-here-are-the-findings

Substance Abuse Trend Alert – Delta-8 THC

 

The Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) has issued a Substance Abuse Trend Alert for Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products that are currently being sold online as well as in gas stations and convenience stores.⚠

Delta-8 THC is a substance that has psychoactive and intoxicating effects. Even though the products have not been approved by the FDA for safe use, they continue to be marketed in ways that appeal to children and put public health at risk. Serious symptoms may include seizures, comas, and sedation. 

The rise in Delta-8 THC exposures heightens the importance of safe storage and packaging and keeping these harmful products out of sight and out of the reach of children. 

  https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.fadaa.org/resource/resmgr/files/resource_center/reports/TrendAlert2_Delta8.pdf

Substance Abuse Trend Alert for Delta-8 THC 

Safe Social Media & Online Platform Use

 

November is Family Caregivers Month to recognize caregivers nationally, raise awareness around caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for our nation's caregivers. We salute all those who nurture, guide, and support our children.🫡Caregivers need to stay informed so they can talk to kids about substance abuse prevention, but it's equally important to communicate safety rules for the digital world we live in.

Digital technology is a constant in the lives of today's youth.📱💻Most young people use social media and other online platforms daily to communicate, learn about topics, and express themselves. In many cases, digital media can be beneficial and allow youth to build community and connect with others. Unfortunately, we know that kids can also be negatively impacted by online issues that can lead to harassment, cyberbullying, child abuse, and exposure to content that increases mental health issues. Harms like these threaten the safety and well-bring of your young people. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers helpful resources for families to stay informed and share best practices with their children to help them navigate social media and online platforms safely. Check out the educational resources and info on the link below for safe internet use:

https://www.samhsa.gov/kids-online-health-safety-task-force/kohs-report-safe-internet-use?