Reduce Alcohol-Related Risks at a Holiday Party

 

Happy New Year's Eve! To usher in 2026, many may choose to host or attend holiday parties tonight to connect with friends and celebrate community. Along with good cheer, partying can create some challenges related to alcohol that may be dangerous and lead to substance-related traffic fatalities. If you are planning to celebrate with a few drinks, remember not to drink and drive. 

We want you to celebrate safely and enjoy all that 2026 will bring! Our friends at Education Development Center (EDC) shared these helpful tips to help keep you and your guests safe if you are hosting a New Year's Eve Party!

Always serve food - drinking on an empty stomach leads to more rapid absorption of alcohol. High-protein foods such as cheese and meat can slow down absorption.

Avoid serving salty snacks - salty snacks tend to make people thirsty so they may drink more.

Provide appealing non-alcoholic alternatives - guests may enjoy an enticing alcohol-free "mocktail" when given the option. Also offer chilled bottles of water and sparkling seltzer.

Avoid serving alcoholic punches - if you offer an alcoholic punch, make sure guests know it contains alcohol. Punches tend to hide the taste of alcohol so people may drink larger amounts.

Set up separate stations for alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks - this not only helps people avoid potential triggers, it also makes it easier to limit access by minors. 

Discard half-finished drinks - this is another helpful way to reduce youth access.

Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends - this gives guests time to process the alcohol in their systems. 

Don't reply on caffeine to get your guests sober - contrary to popular opinion, caffeine has no effect on how alcohol affects judgment, decision-making, or motor skills. Because it makes people feel more awake, caffeine can mask alcohol impairment. 

Don't avoid tough conversations - if you suspect that one of your guests has had too much to drink, don't be afraid to have a discrete conversation with them about how they plan to get home. Think safety, not judgement. 

Arrange transportation for any guests who seem impaired - in the true holiday spirit, it's likely a friend or neighbor has room in their car for one more passenger. In urban areas, Uber, Lyft, and cabs are also options for getting guests home safely.

Stay off the road if you've had too much to drink - AAA offers their Tow to Go Program offering impaired drivers services that will take you and your care to a safe location free of charge. Call 855-2-TOW-2-GO.

Have a Happy & Save New Year's Eve!🌟

Wishing Love & Peace This Holiday Season!

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from
the Board of Directors and Staff at InnerAct Alliance!

Warm wishes for a bright 2026 to those who
may be going through a challenging time.

Please take care of yourself and know we support you!

The IAA office will be closed from
December 23, 2025 - January 6, 2026.

We look forward to continue serving
our community in the new year!

Happy Winter Holidays!

 

Whichever of these beautiful winter holidays you celebrate,

please stay safe and enjoy the beauty, peace,

and spirit of this magical season! 🎄💚

Support Prevention During the Season of Giving

 

The Holidays are a time to reflect on the past year and reunite with family and friends to celebrate. In the true spirit of the season, it is also a great time to support the causes we care about and do our part to help transform our communities to keep our most valuable resource, our children, safe and healthy. We ask you to please consider InnerAct Alliance as you plan your year-end giving.

Over the past 40 years, InnerAct Alliance has become known as Central Florida's most trusted voice in substance abuse prevention - we ask you to please invest in what's working to keep kids safe and drug-free. Prevention Education helps young people learn the facts and skills needed to act responsibly and avoid becoming the next substance abuse statistic. The results speak for themselves in the thousands of Polk, Highlands, and Hardee County students who have grown up making healthy choices because some believed that prevention could work.

How Can You Help Empower the
Next 40 Years of Positive Change?

Scan the QR code in the graphic above

Text IAA to 26989 to donate

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

Your Holiday Gift will help InnerAct Alliance to continue providing:

* Free prevention education in schools across three counties!

* Premier Youth leadership training through UthMpact

* Community campaigns that reach kids, parents, and families

* Events like the Red Ribbon Run that unite our community

Together, we're not just preventing substance abuse, we're building a generation of confident, healthy, young leaders. Thank you for 40 years of partnership and for supporting prevention! 🎀

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