Tips for Reducing Alcohol-Related Risks at a Holiday Party

Happy New Year's Eve! To usher in 2024, many may choose to host or attend holiday parties 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 don't drink and drive. Last year, impaired driving was blamed for 600 crashes in Florida just in December 2022.

We want you to celebrate safely and enjoy all that 2024 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 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 alcoholic 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. Baseball stadiums aren't the only places that should stop serving in the 7th inning!

Don't rely on caffeine to get your guests sober. Contrary to popular opinion, caffeine has no effect on how alcohol affects judgement, decision-making, or motor skills. In fact, 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 more likely a friend or neighbor has room in the car for one more passenger. In mor urban areas, Uber, Lyft, and cabs are also viable 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 car to a safe location free of charge. Call 855-2-TOW-2-GO.

Have a fantastic and safe New Year's Eve! 🎉 

Please Consider Supporting InnerAct Alliance This Holiday Season!

 

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!

 

Safe and healthy communities are an important part of InnerAct Alliance’s mission to educate children, teens, and families about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Researchers have observed increases in substance abuse, drug overdoses, and mental health issues in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic and, as a result, our kids may potentially suffer adverse effects for years to come.

 

InnerAct Alliance and coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, share a common goal to expand prevention initiatives in the Polk County community. We offer science-based education classes to nearly 15,000 students in 70 elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as outreach to more than 100,000 citizens with informative presentations and social norms messaging, a premier youth leadership program, and family-oriented awareness events such as the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign and motivational rallies for fifth-grade students countywide.🎀

How Can You Help? - Your assistance will help to educate students in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties on the dangers of drugs, alcohol, bullying, and violence and provide families with the tools to be successful in life that will lead to a brighter future for this community!

If a monetary donation is within your means at this time, please consider a tax-deductible Holiday Donation to InnerAct Alliance at https://donorbox.org/giving-tuesday-fundraiser-1 to help cover the cost of materials to expand our prevention programs and services. 

“Community engagement and support are vital to continue our agency’s programs to educate children, teens, and families about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, along with bullying prevention. Any and all donations will be appreciated!” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance. 

Are You Dreaming of a White Christmas?

 

If you live in Florida, you'll probably just have to dream about a White Christmas!⛄Doubtful anyone will be making snow angels or building a snowman here, but we can enjoy basking in the warm sunshine, visit the beach, and go swimming!🏊 However you spend your holiday break, enjoy your time off from work, school, and the regular routine and stay safe!

InnerAct Alliance will be closed for the holidays until January 3, 2024 but our staff is already looking forward to being back in the classroom and in the community with fun, informative prevention programs in 2024! 🎀Thanks for your continued support of prevention & Happy Holidays!🎄💚

Lessons from Winter

 

Winter has arrived❄️ Although the weather forecast calls for 65-70 degrees today in the Sunshine State, the Winter Solstice ushered in the new season last evening, December 21st at 10:27 p.m.   

Many people mark the arrival of the Winter season as a time to reflect of the past year and prepare for the year to come.  

Our friends at @PositivelyPresent have done it again suggesting Wintery lessons to learn from the new season. My favorites are "every season has its bright spots" and "choosing comfort is an act of love". 

Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate 🧉and stay close to what warms your heart this day!

Holiday Feels Are Normal - Honor Your Own Needs

 

Many of us can relate to this graphic from @happinessproject. You're not alone if this time of year is not particularly joyful and triumphant.

Holiday "feels" can often be a mix of emotions and each one is valid. We all have different perspectives and experiences. 

Let yourself feel how you feel - odds are there's someone else out there who has the same mixed feelings as you do.👭

Be kind to others and to yourself. Here's hoping that this season will bless you with peace! 💚🎄

UthMpact Leaders in Our Community

 

The UthMpact Leadership Program is designed to help teens develop crucial leadership skills. Participants are nominated by their high school principals or community members. Once a month from September through March, UthMpact Leaders travel throughout Polk County to experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. The teens also meet with community leaders to discuss challenges faced in the community and suggest proactive solutions.

UthMpact Class XIII began the school year in September with their first leadership day spent learning about local Volunteerism. Teens lent a hand at One More Child and Parker Street Ministries, organizations that serve struggling children, families, and neighbors in our community. During UthMpact’s Health & Wellness Leadership Day in October, youth leaders discussed the mental health issues facing today’s teens and planned upcoming coalition initiatives. After working out their minds, it was time to enjoy some fun physical activities, including a game of pickleball at Lakeland Parks & Recreation’s Kelly Rec Center. 

Taking Care of Business was the theme of UthMpact Class XIII’s December Leadership Day to positively impact families and neighborhoods in Lakeland. Teens toured The Dream Center, shared fellowship playing Bingo with residents of Noah’s Ark of Central Florida and lent a hand at kidsPACK assembling over 580 meals to serve homeless students and families in Polk County during the upcoming Winter Break. One of the highlights of the day was enjoying an ice cream treat during their tour of the Publix Super Market dairy plant!

Be Alert for Common Emoji Codes Signaling Drug Use

 

🚨Parents: Be on the alert for common emoji codes that can hide secret messages about drug use.

Some of the common emoji symbols pictured in the graphic above may be used to disguise drug-related communication and content. 

Thanks to our prevention partners at Informed Families for helping to decode the emojis, spread awareness, and protect our community. 

Be Proactive About Prevention

 

It's never too early to start talking to children about choosing to be healthy and drug-free - the good news is that proactive 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! InnerAct Alliance's outreach team is always happy to participate in local community events to share information about the prevention programs and events offered by our agency. 

Here are some of the smiling faces of our IAA team members: Susan White and Gavin White share thumbs up with students at Dundee Elementary Academy's Career Day (above). 

Tammy Coker and Gavin White enjoyed meeting with students at the Denison Middle School College & Career Fair. In the community, Charlie Davis and Gavin White hosted an information table at the Junior Women's Club of Lakeland's Live Green event at Munn Park to encourage eco-friendly choices.

For youth ages 13-17, InnerAct Alliance is proud to partner with the Polk County Library Cooperative and the Davenport Historical Society to offer Mindfulness Journaling for Teens classes. Statistics show that journaling may provide healthful benefits from easing stress to sparking self-discovery. This free program is presented by IAA's humane educator Michelle Bachmeier to provide teens with an opportunity to learn how journaling can be used as a tool to express themselves.

If your school, church, or community organization would like InnerAct Alliance to visit with an informative prevention presentation, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

If The Holidays Are Hard...Reach Out for Support

 

The Holidays often bring up a lot of emotions - some are happy and joyful; others can heighten anxiety and even make this time of year one of dread. It's OK not to be OK and there is a lot of support out there for you. 

If you're not feeling festive, remember that you're not alone. Not every holiday season is going to be perfect, and that's perfectly understandable. This is only one season - it won't last forever. 

Even during the holiday season, support is available for you 24/7. Our friends at @Positively Present offer some helpful reminders and coping suggestions in the colorful graphic above. Whatever your December feels like right now, it's OK to feel whatever you feel this month.

If you need to reach out locally, our prevention partners at Peace River Center offer an Emotional Support and Crisis Hotline 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Reach out by phone to (863) 519-3744, text (863) 204-3443 or chat with crisis counselors from a computer: https://www.peacerivercenter.org/in-crisis/

 

Smoke Screen about Smoking vs. Vaping - Seek Facts

 

Everywhere we look there are competing messages - some imply that vaping offers a reduced risk compared to smoking or dipping traditional tobacco produces. But perception and reality do not always align. A recent blog, presented by the "Too Good" program through the Mendez Foundation, cuts through the vaping messaging to get to the heart of the matter - vaping is not a healthy alternative to smoking and both are hazardous to your health.

Vaping gained popularity in the early 2000s, especially among youth. Many began to believe that vaping is less risky than smoking traditional cigarettes because e-cigarettes and similar vaping products are not smoked. But, just because something is presented as "safer" than something else, does that mean it is actually a safe or healthy alternative to use?

This is where it is important to seek facts and think through the choices we make - truth is, there are vaping facts to be considered. 

Nicotine and THC are linked to health consequences regardless of whether the products that contain them are smoked, dipped, chewed, eaten, or vaped. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals - some that are toxic when smoked.

E-cigs heat nicotine and marijuana, mixed with flavorings and chemicals, to create an aerosol that is inhaled - but e-cig aerosol is not just water vapor. Along with nicotine or THC concentrates, vaping products and the aerosol they emit may also include preservatives such as lead, formaldehyde, and other harmful agents added to enhance chemical atomization. These by-products and potential cancer-causing agents can lead to severe health problems - and even experimental use can lead to addiction.

Whether smoked or vaped, nicotine and marijuana are harmful to the growing teen brain, which is still developing well into the mid-20s. Factor in the many unknown chemicals contained in vaping products that may potentially cause long-term damage, why risk harming your mind or body for the rest of your life. Think about it. 

For more facts visit https://toogoodprograms.org/blogs/blog/to-the-point

 

Crafting Connections: 5 Easy Festive Holiday Activities

 

Looking for family activities to enjoy over holiday break - how about a Craft Day?!

Our prevention partners at Informed Families (https://www.informedfamilies.org) have shared some fun and easy holiday craft ideas that fit the bill to 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 provides a great opportunity for family members to share stories and create new memories. Each ornament becomes a keepsake, symbolizing love and family connection.

🏠 Gingerbread Houses from Milk Cartons - this innovative twist on a classic holiday activity is not only fun but also an excellent way for families to work together towards a common goal, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

👪 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.

We wish you and your family the warmth of the holiday season! 🎄

The Opioid Crisis is Crossing Over to Multi-Drug Use

 

The opioid epidemic has become an uphill battle with the rise of fentanyl available on the streets and on the internet, but there’s an even scarier trend occurring as million of U.S. drug users are now addicted to several substances, not just opioids like fentanyl and heroin. This shift is making treatment far more difficult.

According to the New York Times, those who are addicted to drugs are now more likely to use multiple substances that combine a cocktail of uppers and downers. The CDC calls it polysubstance use, and it’s become the norm for 70-80% of people addicted to opioids.

Newer drugs are being mixed with opioids include the animal tranquilizer xylazine, anti-anxiety medicine like Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin, and counterfeit pills that are laced with fentanyl. 

Dr. Paul Trowbridge, an addiction medicine specialist at Trinity Health Medical Group in Michigan spoke to the Times about the challenges in treating patients with polysubstance addiction, “It is unpredictable what people are buying, which makes it so dangerous for them. ‘Sloppy’ drug dealers can contaminate their supply with fentanyl, or intentionally add it to other drugs so their customers become addicted.” 

While fentanyl tends to dominate headlines, methamphetamine has also made a comeback as a more potent drug. Stimulants are now being traced in 42% of opioid overdoses. Adding meth to the mix makes treating opioid addiction much more difficult. According to the Times, while a lot of money is being poured into treating opioid addiction, government leaders must also address the newer problem of multi-drug use. 

Holidays Can Trigger Teen Substance Use

 

The Holiday Season can bring great joy, but also be stressful for anyone with substance use issues. For teens and adolescents struggling with substance use disorders, extra stress brought on by the holidays can trigger use or relapse.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes the importance of human interaction during this time of year and encourages relatives and friends to reach out - in person or virtually - to someone with a substance use disorder to offer support. 

Other suggestions to help kids who may be struggling this holiday season include:

Discuss potential triggers with your child - understanding what their triggers are such as stress, certain people, or different environments, can help to minimize them. Talk with your child about how to recognize trigger warning signs and create a plan to combat them.

Ensure that basic needs are being met - common triggers can stem from feelings and emotions caused by being Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired (HALT). Provide a variety of healthy food/snacks and encourage plenty of rest.

Seek out support - encourage your child to talk with a trusted adult, counselor, or health care provider to find strategies to get through challenging times and situations. 

Try something new - suggest an activity that can improve a child's mindfulness or self-care - yoga, meditation, or massage. Create a new family tradition such as volunteering at a nonprofit organization. Helping other can shift the focus to something positive to make everyone feel good.

Model good behavior - be mindful that your kids are always watching and listening. Adolescents tend to imitate their parents' behavior so be a good role model.

Most of all, caregivers should try to remain calm and supportive. If you notice clues that your child is falling into harmful ways, let them know that you are there to help. It can make all the difference.

The 12 Days of Christmas Countdown Has Begun

 

For many, the holidays are the highlight of the year. But for some, this time of year brings increased stress and anxiety that can impact mental health. Getting in the holiday spirit can be difficult – whether it is from a change in routine, gift giving, family gatherings, or grief after losing a loved one. 

While this time of year is often focused on giving to others, make sure you give yourself the love and attention you deserve. Continue healthy habits and practice basic routines whenever possible. Soften expectations by enjoying each day and try to slow down when doing things you may normally find yourself rushing through.   

To feel your best and help you achieve the most comfort and joy, connect with what’s most important to you about the holidays! 🧡💚

Connect to the Present with a Holiday I-Spy!

 

Happy Wednesday! Sometimes we all need a mid-week break to help us connect to the present. Thanks to our friends at @Positively Present for sharing a fun seasonal I-Spy graphic to help us do just that!🔎

Take a break at some point today and ground yourself in the present by searching for some of the following items pictured:

* Something to wear outside
* Envelopes with hearts
* 3 Christmas ghosts
* An item you don't see often
* 2 boots without mates
* A wintry puzzle piece
* Something you would light
* An item in your favorite color
* 2 bells with pink bows
* Something for New Year's Eve
* An item you have at home
* Something to keep you warm
* Reference to the movie Elf
* 3 cups with hearts on them
* A matching pair of slippers
* Something sweet to eat
* 2 snowy mountain ranges
* Snowflakes 

Taking a moment to look for these items requires you to use your sense of sight to connect with the present moment - something we all need to remember to do once in a while. Hope you have fun!🎄

Happy Hanukkah Wishes from InnerAct Alliance!

 

As the Festival of Lights begins, we wish you
 peace and joy during this season
 filled with moments of light and togetherness! 🕎

Give a Gift to Yourself of December Self-Care

 

The Holiday Season can be a happy time but it also comes with lots of hustle and bustle. It is the perfect time to give yourself a gift to manage your stress with mindfulness and self-care.🎄

You cannot share from an empty cup. To be at our best for our children and families, we have to remember to embrace the things in our own lives that give us peace and hope.

Managing stress can help lower high blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels - both precursors to many health problems. One way to manage stress and take care of your physical and mental well-being is through Self-Care - simply do more of the things YOU enjoy.😊

Enjoy some of the seasonal suggestions from our friends at @Positively Present or simply make some time to read a book📚, listen to music🎵, or be creative by drawing or painting🖌. You'll be better off for it!

All of us at InnerAct Alliance hope that you and your family enjoy the Holiday Season and remind you to pencil in some self-care time for yourself!⏰

Area Fifth-Graders Celebrate Positive Choices at InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Rallies

 

Area fifth-grade students came together at InnerAct Alliance’s 2023 Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rallies to celebrate the positives of Youth Culture and help reinforce critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school.

National motivational speaker, Patrick T. Grady, owner of Today ‘n Tomorrow Enterprises, led engaging, enthusiastic presentations encouraging students to find effective ways to deal with the pressures and challenges in their lives without resorting to substance use.

Community leaders from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Lakeland Police Department, Winter Haven Police Department, and InnerAct Alliance Board of Directors were on hand for the Rallies on November 30 in Lakeland and on December 5 in East Polk/Winter Haven to help recognize the student winners of the Red Ribbon Rally for the Facts Contest for their creative poster, poetry, and essay entries illustrating the true facts that show the majority of Polk teens choose not to use alcohol and other drugs.

Congratulations to our Rally Contest Winners!

Lakeland Area Fifth Grade Rally for the Facts Contest Winners

POSTER WINNERS

Keitly N., Cleveland Court
Kaitlyn M., Floral Avenue
Liam M., Highlands Grove
Olivia W., Highlands Grove
Raygan P., McKeel Central
Layla A., McKeel Central
Dahlia E., Scott Lake
Mercedes E., St. Anthony
Isabella B., St. Anthony
Addisyn L., Valleyview
Kenzie R., Valleyview

POETRY WINNERS

Ireland W., Cleveland Court
Melanie V., Floral Avenue
Amber W., Highlands Grove
Emily H., McKeel Central
Isabela M., Scott Lake
Sofia D. Valleyview

ESSAY WINNERS

Joanna G., Cleveland Court
Aimee R., Floral Avenue
Addilyn H., McKeen Central
Everett K., Scott Lake
Alissa M., Valleyview

East Polk/Winter Haven Fifth Grade Rally for the Facts Contest Winners

POSTER WINNERS

Leighton M., Alturas
Austin N., Alturas
Colette L., Citrus Ridge
Yoinel L., Dundee Elementary Academy
Alanso, M-A., Snively
Jordyn R., Lake Shipp
Emma S., Loughman Oaks
Xavier C., Loughman Oaks

POETRY WINNERS

Riley M., Alturas
Emma F., Citrus Ridge
Amira F., Lake Shipp
Emmanuel C., Loughman Oaks

ESSAY WINNERS

Jayda G., Alturas
Zarrion K., Citrus Ridge
Victoria F., Dundee Elementary Academy
Thonice P., Lake Shipp
Angeliz V., Loughman Oaks