New Video: Stay Aware of Teen Substance Use Trends in 2026

 

Even with the good news that fewer teens are using substances overall, the risks and concerns continue to mount. Today's Substance Landscape is constantly changing with new vaping products, high-potency marijuana, kratom, and psychedelic drugs being introduced to the market each day. Staying informed is one of the most powerful things we can do! 💪

In an effort to help parents and caregivers know what to look for and how to talk to their teens about the current substance use and behavior trends, it's important to share videos like this one from the Partnership to End Addiction.

In about 13 minutes' time, the video provides an informative overview of some new, accessible products out there being marketed to youth as 'wellness enhancers' - available right over the counter in gas station and convenience stores. You will learn about what's out there now luring young people - drugs that range from alcohol to vaping and nicotine patches, THC to opioids...along with new addiction risks that come from participating in online gaming and sports betting.

Protect yourself and those you love by staying informed - it's absolutely worth 13 minutes of your time to stop & watch! ⏰  

👉 Visit The Partnership to End Addiction for More Resources and Support

https://drugfree.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7x8jZNklzE

 

How to Begin Talking with Young Children About Alcohol

 

Alcohol is the most commonly used and misused drug among youth. Some report taking their first drink at age 10 or younger. 

For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents begin talking to children about alcohol at age 9 to establish a foundation for healthy habits and influence ideas about alcohol early instead of trying to change impressions later. It's best to connect with kids often through natural conversations that will evolve as your child gets older.

Research continues to prove that kids who have conversations with their parents about the dangers of alcohol and drug use are 50% less likely to use alcohol and drugs than those who don't. That's reason enough to keep the lines of communication flowing with your kids from an early age on.

Prevention experts at the Partnership to End Addiction share answers to frequent questions from parents and impart tips on how to talk to children about alcohol and other drugs from every age from pre-school to young adult.

Sample Q & A:

Q: Isn't it better for parents to teach children how to drink 'responsibly' by allowing them to drink at home under supervision?

A: Research shows that drinking at home with parental approval is associated with higher-risk drinking, heavy alcohol use, and alcohol problems later in life. Allowing kids to drink in the home sends mixed messages about the safety of underage alcohol use.

Q: Is it hypocritical of me to tell my kids not to drink when they know that I drank at their age?

A: As a parent, you want to do all you can to protect your child. Many of us didn't wear sunscreen growing up, we now know that it significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer. Same is true of alcohol - now we know more than ever about protecting our kids from the effects of alcohol. 

Learn more by visiting The Partnership to End Addiction:

https://drugfree.org/article/prevention-tips-for-every-age/

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #28: UthMpact Students, Leaders & Brothers – Cooper & Max Deeds!

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #28: UthMpact Students, Leaders & Brothers - Cooper & Max Deeds!

UthMpact Leadership yields many inspiring stories of successful students. Over the past 15 years, we have been fortunate to have many siblings participate and pass down the UthMpact traditions to younger family members because the know the value of participation.

This year's UthMpact Leadership Class XI was no different! Our youth coalition enjoyed getting to know and collaborate with brothers Cooper and Max Deeds. We were impressed with their personal stories about their unique experiences - one focused on risky behaviors and empowerment to influence change, while his brother spoke about learning about the community and discovering how many intentional folks are in it to serve.

Max Deeds

"UthMpact to me represents the pinnacle of hope. In a society that normalizes risky behavior, UthMpact instills the idea that the choice not to do drugs or alcohol is one that will forever benefit youth spiritually and mentally. By installing the value of choice and hope in our youth early, community-wide change becomes a guarantee, as our future leaders of tomorrow are educated and grown to combat risky behavior that plagues their area. UthMpact becomes a true representation of hope - hope in our community, hope in our youth, hope against the forces of evil and hope for tomorrow."

Cooper Deeds

"To me, UthMpact is a fun way to learn about the community we live in. I looked forward to every membership day where we went to different parts of our county to learn about what happens in each building and how people help people. Each day brings new insight on how our community functions and taught us the gears on how our city operates in a fun learning way. UthMpact has taught me so much on what a city needs to be successful and I am so glad I had this amazing experience. I also learned never to do drugs or alcohol, which is a huge thing to know as those are the leading death causes in teens. Overall, UthMpact to me is an amazing educational experience that everyone should be a part of."

Support Our Teens in the UthMpact Leadership Program

$40 = sponsors a UthMpact student's personality test

$40/month =covers meals for monthly Leadership Days
$400 = covers bus transportation for Leadership Days

Donate

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

Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact
#YouthLeadership #BrothersBond #FutureLeaders
#HopeforFuture #PolkCounty #StudentVoices

 

Enjoy Spring Celebrations Alcohol & Substance Free

 

Spring is a season of celebration - the weather turns warmer and happy times abound with prom, outdoor barbecues, and graduation parties to look forward to! Unfortunately, sometimes these happy occasions also involve underage drinking. In fact, research shows that the months of April, May, and June can be the most dangerous time for teens.

Teens may mistakenly believe that drinking is not as dangerous as other drug use, but statistics prove overwise. Scientific research indicates that the teen brain is still developing into the mid-20s - researchers have found that the introduction of alcohol and other substances, particularly in large quantities consumed during binge drinking, may impair brain development and have long term consequences. It is more important than ever that adults be firm, clear, and consistent when talking with teens about alcohol.

Drinking is not only harmful for individuals, it also has a negative impact on society causing vehicle accidents, DUI's, injuries, violence, sexual assault, and property destruction. Next time you hear someone trying to justify drinking, remember how deadly alcohol can be.

We wish you happy and joyful spring celebrations - celebrating safely. But, if you find that you or someone you love has a drinking problem, help is available. Learning about options to address alcohol problems can be an important first step. Contact your medical provider, health insurance, local health department, or employee assistance program.

To find research-based information on drinking and its impact on health, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) at:

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics-a-to-z

 

Teen Vaping Video: The Dangers of Smart Vapes & What Parents Need to Know

 

Teen Vaping is evolving - today's "smart vapes" look like typical tech gadgets, not what they really are, which is nicotine delivery devices.

Truth is that these products contain nicotine, the highly addictive substance that can harm the developing teen brain. With millions of middle and high school students reporting use of e-cigarettes, parents need to stay vigilant and arm themselves with clear and practical information so that they can educate their growing children about the potential harms.

The Partnership to End Addiction has put together a 4-minute video, which outlines the dangers of vaping for teens. It explains how high-tech e-cigarettes are designed to appeal directly to young users. Celebrities and social media influencers are hired to promote flashy vape brands, while devices even feature built-in games like Tetris to try to attract teens to use these products that contain nicotine.

In this short, informative video, parents will learn how to talk to their teen about the real risks of teen vaping and how "smart vapes" brands target youth.

As Parents of Today's Youth,
We Need to Stay Informed & Connected!

Visit 

https://drugfree.org

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #27: A Message from Sheriff Grady Judd

 

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #27: A Message from Sheriff Grady Judd

For 40 years, InnerAct Alliance has been blessed with unwavering support from the Polk County Sheriff's Office. From our early years to now, law enforcement partnership has been essential to our prevention mission. We are especially grateful for Sheriff Grady Judd's continuous advocacy for substance abuse prevention and his commitment to keeping our community safe.

Sheriff Judd has a special message for InnerAct Alliance as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary!

20 Years Ago:  New Sheriff + 20th Anniversary

Today:  Still Our Sheriff + 40th Anniversary

Always: Committed to Prevention & Community Safety

Sheriff Judd's dedication to youth safety, prevention education, and community partnerships has made an immeasurable impact on Polk County.

Thank you, Sheriff Judd, for two decades of steadfast support!

Please Support Prevention!

https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #SheriffGradyJudd #PolkCountySheriff #20YearsOfPartnership #CommunityHeroes #PreventionWorks #ThankYouSheriff #PolkCounty #LawEnforcementPartnership

Join Us Monday, May 4 for the Own The Upside Prevention Summit to Stay Informed!

 

Join InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition at the Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit next Monday, May 4, 2026, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, at the W.H. Stuart Center | UF/IFAS Extension Office, 1710 US Highway 17 South in Bartow, to learn about important issues facing our community.

This is an exceptional opportunity for teachers, school resource officers, administrators, counselors, social workers, prevention specialists, and concerned citizens to come together and share up-to-date information with a realistic view of current youth culture, emerging drug trends, and other topical issues. 

Admission is $28.52 and includes a light breakfast and lunch. 

Register Today!

Call the InnerAct Alliance Office
(863) 802-0777

or use the QR Code Below

Own The Upside was initiated by the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties in Central Florida and founded on the Positive Community Norms Theory to support youth through proactive prevention programs and empower young people to make positive healthy choices. Please call (863) 802-0777 for more information.