Social Media Apps Linked to Rise in Fentanyl Poisoning Deaths

 

Drug deaths among American teenagers have surged in recent years with counterfeit pills made of illicitly manufactured fentanyl at the root of the increase in poisonings. Federal officials are investigating the popular social media app Snapchat over its suspected role in the trafficking and sale of fentanyl-laced pills through the site. Some cases from Snapchat show that teens thought they were buying prescription pills, but the drugs they received were either laced with fentanyl or made of pure fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that can be up to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Social media networks, specifically their technology, can make it easy for drugs like fentanyl to reach younger Americans. Recently, the National Crime Prevention Council cited Snapchat as "the platform of choice for fentanyl drug dealers" because this app deletes messages between users over a short period of time making it harder to track the suppliers of lethal drugs. Representatives from Snap Inc. say they are working with law enforcement to fight the national fentanyl crisis by tracking accounts to dealers who are targeting kids and teens, shutting down suspected drug dealers' accounts on the platform, and moderating the site closely to detect illegal drug sales.

The best prevention is to educate ourselves and our youth to be informed about the prevalence and very real dangers of fentanyl and other drugs. 

New Warning from the Florida Attorney General on the Fentanyl Crisis

 

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a new warning regarding the fentanyl crisis highlighting a recent study by Families Against Fentanyl, which found that children under age 14 are dying from fentanyl poisoning at a higher rate than any other age group. Synthetic opioid (fentanyl) deaths among infants have increased ten-fold and risen fifteen-fold among children under age 14 – an increase of more than 1,400% since 2015.

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is a synthetic opioid responsible for hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S., surpassing the number of deaths caused by COVID-19, suicide, and car accidents. It is estimated that fentanyl takes the lives of 187 Americans each day, amounting to more than 200,000 fatalities since 2015. Closer to home, more than 8,000 Floridians have died from drug overdoses in the past year with synthetic opioids cited as the #1 killer of those in the 18-45 age group.

The amount of fentanyl that has been found across our country is astronomical, especially since such a small amount can kill someone. According to the DEA, fentanyl is so lethal that only 2 mg. of the drug can be deadly. When illicit fentanyl is laced into recreational drugs, it is impossible to determine the lethal potential. Many users of recreational drugs are unaware of the fentanyl content in the substances they use, putting them at a much greater risk of death by synthetic opioid poisoning.

Illicit fentanyl is a serious threat to our communities and the best prevention is staying informed. Find out more at https://www.familiesagainstfentanyl.org/

Help Support Prevention Education Efforts in Polk County!

 

Underage use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances are problems facing every community. Good news is statistics show that Prevention Education can help young people learn the facts and skills needed to help them act responsibly and avoid becoming the next substance abuse statistic.

As a licensed provider for substance abuse prevention in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties since 1985, InnerAct Alliance is committed to impacting our community in a positive way. We believe in empowering youth and encouraging adults to make smart choices, be better role models, and engage in healthy activities. Our team of education professionals provides substance abuse and bullying prevention in nearly 70 schools, as well as tools for anger management and other risky behaviors. 

Programs offered in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties include:

Too Good for Drugs (Elementary) - a character-building program that promotes healthy development through social and emotional skill-building for setting reachable goals, making healthy choices, achieving positive friendships, communicating effectively, and resisting peer pressure and influence. 

Too Good for Drugs (High School) - a social-emotional skill development program that provides teens with tools to manage real-world challenges through interactive exercises that build the core social skillsets needed to understand addiction, resist social influences/peer pressure, avoid unhealthy risk-taking, and explore healthy alternatives.

Keep a Clear Mind - a science-based prevention program for elementary students that encourages parent-child interaction through take-home activities and incentives to teach essential skills such as setting reachable goals, making responsible decisions, managing emotions, and communicating effectively.

Project ALERT - a school-based prevention education program for middle school students focusing on alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use that teaches skills to understand and resist pro-drug social influences, and how to avoid experimentation.

PAX Game Life Skills - an environmental intervention program to create a more positive classroom environment conducive to learning that helps reduce off-task behavior, increase attentiveness, decrease disruptive behavior, improve mental health, and reduce substance use outcomes. 

Youth Tobacco and other Drugs (YTOD) and Anger Management - an information-based education course for youth ages 12-17 that focuses on substance use prevention, peer pressure, good decision-making, and the health issues related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. Classes are held virtually once a month - often reserved for students referred through a school or social worker, but it is also a great learning opportunity for any student, whether they are at risk or not.

Own the Upside Trailer - a one-of-a-kind interactive mobile exhibit in which parents and adults may tour through a simulated teen's bedroom to learn about current trends and interact with items on display that reveal how common objects may signal potential involvement in drugs and risky behaviors. The exhibit offered in partnership with Polk Sheriff's Charities is available by request and is meant for adults only.

Humane Education - an impactful education program for young children with lessons that include instruction by a humane educator using high quality, age-appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and activities to reinforce healthy ways to interact with peers and promote animal welfare. There is also a fun option to bring live or stuffed animals in as part of the presentation to enhance learning outcome.

How Can You Support the Prevention Initiative? Please consider inviting a representative from InnerAct Alliance to share a free educational program with your group, organization, school PTA, or business lunch and learn by calling (863) 802-0777. Programs are geared to the age level of an audience and can be tailored for a specific group. 

Community members may also volunteer at InnerAct Alliance's prevention events. 

Another helpful way to further prevention efforts is through a tax-deductible donation to help inform and educate more students in Polk schools about the harmful effects of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, vaping, narcotics, bullying, mental health, and other risky behaviors.

Donations may be made at:

https://donorbox.org/giving-tuesday-fundraiser-1

Learn more about InnerAct Alliance’s programs and services on the agency’s website at www.inneractalliance.org

Stay Connected for Latest Information on Substance Abuse Prevention

 

Friday Inspiration - Redefining Productivity

 

Found this helpful graphic from Positively Present to be very timely for some good old-fashioned Friday motivation. 

Most times, we think of productivity as working super hard on all kinds of work or school-related tasks and activities. But, true productivity should be about the positive things we can do each day that will naturally enhance our overall productivity not only at work but in our lives as well. 

Let's look at how we can redefine productivity and focus more on what is most important because that will help maximize our success in everything we endeavor to do!

Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Many times we take our freedoms for granted and forget the pioneers who helped to shape our nation. Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement who championed justice and equality. Dr. King was a strong advocate of change through nonviolent civil actions. He was a great speaker whose powerful words still resonate with us today. 

Happy Friday the 13th!

 

Happiness doesn't come from wealth or material things. It comes from simple things and from our ability to see them for their purity. All we need to do is learn to enjoy them fully.

Inspiration for daily happiness can be found in the beauty of nature, enjoyment of cute animals, and in sharing a laugh or two with family and friends.

InnerAct Alliance wishes you a fabulous Friday and a weekend ahead that is full of whatever brings you joy or makes you see beauty in our world!

Let"s Begin 2023 on the UPSIDE!

 

The middle and high school years can be a minefield of difficult choices about drinking and drugs. Add to that how media and society often portray teenagers as a chewing, drinking, smoking, and pill popping generation. Perception of what others think or do can be a powerful influence at any age, but teens are the most susceptible as the opinions of peers and the pressure to fit in becomes increasingly more important. If kids are under the impression that they are among the few in their school who do not drink, smoke traditional tobacco, or use other substances, then that may become their truth and influence the choices they make.

Statistics continue to show that Social Norms Campaigns can be effective to help teens rethink their position and change perception about use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Over the past decade, UthMpact, the youth component of the drug free coalition for Polk County comprised of high school teen leaders, has taken an active role to normalize perceptions regarding risky behaviors by developing a social norm marketing campaign to share "UthMpact Facts" and promote the positives in Polk Youth Culture using current statistics collected among Polk County youth in the annual Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS)

"UthMpact Facts" share the reality that most POLK TEENS ARE MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES by choosing NOT to drink, smoke traditional tobacco, or use substances and the numbers have declined steadily since 2010 in Polk County. In fact, 83% of Polk Teens DO NOT use Alcohol - 88% DO NOT use Marijuana - 98% DO NOT use Tobacco - 90% DO NOT Vape. 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 the facts.

Chase a Natural High!

 

Love this reminder from our friends at Informed Families that there are plenty of healthy ways of getting high that do not involve alcohol, tobacco, or other harmful substances!

Many of life's adventures and experiences, even everyday things, can create a natural high - like listening to music, dancing to or singing your favorite song, drawing with sidewalk chalk, painting a picture, playing sports, taking a walk with your pet, whipping up a delicious smoothie, cooking up a healthy meal, baking a special treat, sharing laughs with friends or family members, or just enjoying a little down time to read a book or magazine! 

As parents, we can lead by example to show our children how to look for simple ways to add enjoyment to their lives. Plan time doing things together that will create lasting memories. Make the most of every opportunity to celebrate how beautiful life can be with healthy choices! 

January Self-Care Ideas

 

Self-Care is so important for our physical and mental health. Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, boost your self-esteem, and increase happiness. It can also help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks.

Taking care of your body and mind helps you to be the best version of yourself. Self-care shouldn’t be something you force yourself to do. Instead, it can help refuel you so you can take better care of yourself and support those around you. If you’re having trouble thinking of ways, consider some of the ideas in this January Self-Care graphic from Positively Present. Even small acts of self-care can bring you joy and help you achieve balance in different areas of your life to promote your overall wellness. You are worth it!

Challenge: Start 2023 Tobacco Free!

 

This time of year, many Americans consider making a New Year’s Resolution. Quitting smoking is often right up there in the top 5. It can be challenging and may require several attempts. The key to successfully kicking the habit is to have a plan and use proven-effective resources. You don’t have to stop smoking in one-day - and you don’t have to do it alone! InnerAct Alliance and Tobacco Free Florida are here to support you if you decide to quit smoking and start your journey toward a healthier, smoke-free life.

Tobacco Free Florida's Quit Your Way program offers Floridians free tobacco cessation resources such as a "Quit Coach" who will help you access a personalized quit plan. You also have an option to join a Group Quit Session led by a trained specialist. With this program, you will have access to a two-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy including nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges to help you become tobacco free. Other services include text support, a Quit Guide, and helpful emails - all provided free of charge. If you or a loved one is interested in learning about the available tools to assist in quitting smoking, call 1-877-848-6696 or visit their website at Tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway

        

 

Save The Date - Annual Prevention Summit - February 21, 2023

 

InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition are proud to present the Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the W. H. Stuart Conference Center in Bartow to discuss important issues facing our community. This marks the first in-person summit held since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Annual Prevention Summit presents an opportunity for School Resource Officers, Administrators, Counselors, Social Workers, Psychiatrists, and Prevention Specialists to gain up-to-date information with a realistic view of youth culture, emerging drug trends, social media and its connection to risky behaviors, and other topical issues.

Registration for the Prevention Summit is FREE for those who pre-register on the event website at www.owntheupsidepolk.com and breakfast and lunch is included.

Own The Upside was initiated by the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties, Florida. It was founded on the Positive Community Norms Theory or celebrating the positives! Science shows us that the discouraging news or negatives we often hear in media and society makes us tend to forget that there are many encouraging positives to celebrate what we call the “Upside.” Data collected annually via the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) reports that most kids don’t engage in risky behaviors. Attitudes about abuse are shaped well before children reach adulthood. Own The Upside believes we can impact children’s lives now by supporting and investing in prevention programs and services that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and empower youth to make positive healthy choices. While this training will educate the public about some of the negative trends, we will also remind those on the front line that MOST are making the right decisions. 

For details, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 or visit the event website at https://www.owntheupsidepolk.com

What Do You Want to Be in 2023?

 

Happy 2023! It is estimated that nearly 45% of Americans make New Year's resolutions, but only about 8% are successful at changing their new resolutions into reality. Common resolutions are often related to health, relationships, career, and personal aspirations, or achieving happiness by enjoying life more or learning a new skill.

To reach a goal successfully, it's always a good idea to write it down and include small, achievable steps needed to attain that goal. Along with a written statement, there must also be a change in behavior.

Goals are great, but it's also about being realistic and happy. Here are some inspiring options from Positively Present that suggest focusing on "What Do You Want to Be in 2023?" 

Whatever you decide, let's do our best to embrace every day as a new opportunity to appreciate what we have and take small steps towards a better life in the year ahead!

Cheers to a Happy, Healthy 2023!

 

Life’s hectic schedule and commitments can be stressful and leave little time to take care of ourselves. How can you ensure that you’re taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally? 

The New Year is a perfect time to focus on Self-Care to create a healthier, more enjoyable daily experience…and that can be anything you can take time to do for yourself to remain healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Look at it as making an investment in yourself and in your health.

Don’t worry if your version of self-care is different from others. There’s no one right way to care for yourself – what helps YOU feel happy and healthy is what matters most. 

Happy New Year 2023 – may this be the year of less stress, less mess & more Y O U!