Social Media Can Normalize Substance Use

 

Rounding out the list of common trends to be aware of, parents and caregivers must also be vigilant about Social Media. Data from the CDC has found that 77% of U.S. high school students reported using social media at least several times a day.

Teens may come across videos, memes, influencers, or peer content that make vaping, THC product use, or other substances look normal, funny, harmless, or trendy. A 2026 JAMA Network Open Study found that adolescent exposure to e-cigarette or cannabis posts on social media was associated with e-cigarette, cannabis, or dual use among youth.

That does not mean that every teen who sees this content will use substances. But, it does mean that parents should ask their children what they are seeing online and help them learn to think critically about what is being promoted.

Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Tunnel Found Connecting U.S. & Mexico

 

According to a CBS News Report, federal law enforcement officials have recently uncovered a sophisticated 2,000-foot-long cross-border drug smuggling tunnel between border cities in Mexico and California. The tunnel is complete with electricity, reinforced walls, ventilation, and a rail system. 

A multi-month Homeland Security investigation  that led to the discovery of the tunnel also culminated in the seizure of more than one ton (2,250 pounds) of cocaine, valued at $45 million, and the arrest of four suspects linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Tunnel Task Force began investigating a warehouse location for a supposed-discount store called Buy 4 Less, located near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego across the Tijuana, Mexico border in December 2025. Surveillance of activity did not appear to be consistent with that of a normal retail store. Employees were seen taking empty suitcases across the border by car, even sometimes by hand. Federal agents planned to move in on the operation in late May, at which time three large vehicles were pulled over found loaded with large packages containing cocaine.

The DOJ was further granted a warrant to investigate the warehouse/store location where agents found the exit of the tunnel concealed under the floor of a storage room. The tunnel was as much as 55 feet deep and extended just over 1,000 feet to the U.S. - Mexico border. The tunnel continued on the Mexico side of the border for another more than 800 feet.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-smuggling-tunnel-us-mexico-video/

Additional Substance Abuse Trends: Alcohol – Counterfeit Pills – Fentanyl

 

Over the past few weeks, we've been talking about current trends in substance abuse prevention. While vaping and THC products often get the most attention, there are others worth mentioning.

Alcohol prevention is still important, so remind youth that there is no safe level of alcohol use for teens under 18 years of age. 🍷🍺The 2025 Monitoring the Future survey reported that alcohol use remained stable with 11% of 8th graders, 24% of 10th graders, and 41% of 12th graders reporting alcohol use in the past year. 

Counterfeit pills and Fentanyl continue to present serious risks for the youth population. 💊 It is worth reminding youth that the ONLY safe medication is that prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. This matters because many times youth may not always understand the risk of taking a pill from a friend, peer, or an online source. Remind them that even a very small amount of fentanyl can be deadly.

We encourage parents and caregivers to remain vigilant. Summer months can bring more free time with parties, sleepovers, travel, and less structured routines. Continue to seek opportunities for conversations to speak clearly about your family's expectations around alcohol, vaping, drugs, and impaired decision-making before situations presen themselves.

Everyone Plays a Role in Prevention

 

Since 1985, InnerAct Alliance has been dedicated to educating parents and teens about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use - but for prevention to truly work, it take a community effort. Working together across various community sectors including schools, government, healthcare, faith communities, and families, we can create a stronger community that supports everyone, especially young people who are doing their best to make the right choices! 💪

How Do Evidence-Based Prevention Programs Work? - prevention programs help to boost protective factors and eliminate/reduce risk factors. Perception of the harm of substance use is a significant protective factor against the risk of engaging in substance use. Building a knowledge base of the facts of negative health effects can be effective in building that perception. 

Most adolescents are satisfied by knowing the risks of substance use when they realize it doesn't match their health goals, but sadly some are not yet convinced. Instead, they may find ways to dismiss the seriousness or choose not to believe they'll be the one to experience negative consequences.

To overcome these unhealthy coping strategies, effective prevention education programs help to build a solid foundation of self-efficacy and interpersonal skills. This prepares teens to navigate the complex social dynamics that may model and accept risky behavior and minimize the risk of negative consequences. Equipped with knowledge and tools, youth learn how to weigh the cost to their futures in health, social, and legal risks of substance use and instead seek out alternative activities to achieve similar goals.

Skills like setting reachable goals, making responsible decisions, communicating effectively, identifying and managing emotions, and bonding with their pro-social peers prepare youth to refuse peer pressure and influence. It can also help them solve problems, resolve conflict, manage stress, and find other ways to meet the challenges in life without turning to substance use to escape, relax, rebel, or experiment.

As soon as they discover the path they are on and develop the skills to protect their goals, teens are more inclined to choose actions consistent with their goals and not risk participating in any risky behaviors that could interfere with their ability to reach them. 

Prevention works best when families, schools, and communities work together. This summer, we encourage parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community members to create supportive atmospheres for our children simply by being present, being consistent, and being mindful of the example we are setting each and every day. 

Summer Wellness Tips for Families

 

Now that school is over and summer vacation is upon us, it's a perfect time to practice family self-care so that everyone can thrive together physically, mentally, and emotionally while enjoying the fun and carefree vibe that summer brings.

Kids and teens still need healthy routines and simple structure goes a long way to support sleep, mental wellness, family connection, and positive choices. Here are some healthy suggestions for your best summer yet🌞

Physical Wellness - staying physically active and eating well has been shown to improve our mental health and wellness. Plan time to exercise regularly, look into local workout groups and dance classes. Now that the weather is warm and sunny, spend more time outdoors taking family walks, hikes, or bike rides. Shop for fresh fruit and veggies to help you enjoy healthy eating habits. Be sure to make time for quality rest and maybe even a nap now and then! 😴

Mental Wellness - practicing wellness activities can help you overcome stress and anxiety and promote productivity. Find self-soothing exercises and practice mindfulness. A great way to unwind is with art or music activities the whole family can enjoy. Older children may benefit from journaling their thoughts. All of these activities can help establish priorities and lessen daily stress.

Embrace Support - when we are facing challenges, it's important to reach out for support. Support groups, workshops, and counseling opportunities are available in most communities, as well as virtually, to help you communicate your needs and find assistance you may need. Help and healing are only a phone call or click away.

Stay Connected - staying in touch with others who impact us in a positive way is vital for human wellbeing. It creates a positive sense of belonging and creates time for the people who you care about and who care about you. Relationships trigger positive neurochemicals, like oxytocin and dopamine, that reduce stress. Research shows that strong bonds boost immunity, lower chronic disease risks, and significantly increase life expectancy as well!

Together, we can help children and teens feel informed, supported, and prepared to make healthy choices. Stay strong - stay healthy - and we wish you an amazing summer! 😎

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #37: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates – Ajay Soni & Christopher Traylor

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #37: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates - Ajay Soni & Christopher Traylor

As we continue celebrating our 2025-2026 UthMpact Class XV graduates, we are honored to highlight two more exceptional young leaders who completed the program on April 1, 2026. 

Today, we celebrate UthMpact Graduates:

🎓 Ajay Soni
University of Austin
Majoring in Business with a
Finance Concentration

🎓 Christopher Traylor
Florida Southern College
Majoring in Architecture

The UthMpact Experience - these graduates traveled throughout Polk County on monthly Leadership Days to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. They learned critical leadership skills while educating their peers about substance abuse prevention through efforts like Project Prom, Project HOCO, and the UthMpact Facts social norms campaigns.

Congratulations, Ajay and Christopher! Your commitment and dedication to leadership and prevention have made a lasting impact on our community. We can't wait to see all you will accomplish!

* UthMpact: https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk?

* Contact: Samantha Barwig (863) 802-0777

* Support Prevention: https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

* Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact #ClassOf2026 #GraduatingSeniors #FutureLeaders #ProudMoment #PolkCounty #YouthLeadership

The OTUS Trailer: Recognize Signs of Youth Substance Abuse In Plain Sight

 

Most kids are doing the right thing, but there are signs to watch for to know if they are heading in the wrong direction. Correcting risky behaviors early is the key to successful prevention!

Own the Upside is a campaign formed by the Coalition Partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties to help prevent harm and promote health for our youth. We are proud to partner with the Polk County Sheriff's Foundation to present an exciting resource to educate parents and caregivers of teens in our community.

OTUS Trailer - The "Own the Upside...Avoid the Downside" trailer is a mobile, interactive exhibit housing a replica of a teens' bedroom that parents can walk through to learn how to recognize clues signaling potential involvement in drugs and risky behaviors visible in plain sight or easily concealed in ordinary everyday items in the room. This presentation is meant for adults only - no children please!

How Can You Help? - to support efforts to encourage healthy behaviors and reduce substance abuse, your organization may invite a representative from InnerAct Alliance to visit with the OTUS trailer and share an informative presentation with your group who all play a pivotal part in educating youth about making healthy choices - the community standard we all want to promote and grow. We look forward to visiting your PTA, PTO, Booster Club, or other adult group in Hardee, Highlands, and Polk County soon!

To schedule a presentation for Fall 2026, 

please call (863) 802-0777 or visit

https://www.inneractalliance.org/own-the-upside.html