Signs of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) & How to Help

 

InnerAct Alliance partners with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in our goal to help people receive accurate evidence-based information about drugs and health. 

A frequent question we hear is "How can I help someone with a problem stop taking drugs and what if they don't want help?" 

Supporting a friend or loved one through challenges with substance use can be difficult. The process is even more complicated when someone is resisting help. While you may not have control over someone else's substance use, support is available to cope with how that may affect you. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a free and confidential 24/7, 365 days-a-year treatment referral and information service available in English and Spanish. SAMHSA has resources available online for families coping with mental and substance use disorders and also provides a confidential online treatment locator.

If someone is experiencing an overdose, mental health crisis, or other emergency - call 9-1-1.

Mental Health Awareness – Support LGBTQIA+ Communities

 

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we remain committed to increasing awareness and erasing the stigma associated with mental health issues because everyone deserves access to respectful and culturally appropriate care.

Week 5's focus is on building support for mental wellbeing in the LGBTQIA+ community. Inclusive families, schools, and societies can all work together to do their part. Family love and support can help to reduce the risk of depression, substance use, suicide, and other issues. Schools and workplaces can create more understanding, supportive, and inclusive environments. Social and peer support can act as a lifeline to show love and support to help LGBTQIA+ people feel appreciated and accepted. 

Most importantly, LGBTQIA+ and all people deserve to be acknowledged, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are. 

To LGBTQIA+ communities

You belong – You matter –
Your mental health matters!
🌈 ❤️

Helpful SAMHSA Resources

https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/lgbtqi

https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtqi/

Transportation Officials Warn: 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers

 

Transportation leaders are urging families to take extra caution over the next few months on our nation's roads. The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 deadliest on our roadways since the number of deadly crashes involving teen drivers typically rises. Traffic safety managers with AAA attribute the deaths to students being out of school, driving more often over the summer, and taking fewer drives with a focused destination. There's also the reality that more teens tend to be in the car together and there is more nighttime driving.

Auto crashes are the leading cause of death of young people between ages 16-19. According to AAA, nearly 6,700 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 2013 to 2022. In 2022 alone, 707 people were killed in these types of crashes - a 10% increase over pre-pandemic numbers in 2019. 

Last year in Florida, teenagers were involved in 20,000 crashes in the Sunshine State during these 100 days. In another sobering statistic, for every mile driven, new teen drivers are 3 times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults.

There are several common Risk Factors: distracted driving plays a role in nearly 6 of 10 crashes; electronics like cell phones are the second biggest distraction; and the largest risk factor is other teen passengers in the car. 

Research shows that having other teens in the car can contribute to peer pressure and dangerous driving habits like speeding and aggressive driving. Speeding is a factor in nearly 30% of deadly crashes involving teens - so is not wearing a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt can significantly reduce the risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash. Teen drivers may revert to bad habits like not signaling, not making complete stops, not checking blind spots, and not keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.

Law enforcement officials remind parents of teen drivers to set guidelines before turning over the car keys. Talk about safe driving and how it can affect their life as well as impact the lives of others. AAA encourages parents to lead by example, teach defensive driving skills, and set rules when teens can drive and who they can go with. Additional rules need to be set about driving alcohol- and drug-free and limiting the number of passengers allowed in the car. It is a good idea to ensure teens have logged at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving in a variety of conditions.

AAA can help prepare teens through their How to Drive online course which delivers rules and essential elements of safe driving in an interactive and innovative way - visit their website at  https://www.aaadriverprogram.com/

Changes in Self-Reported Cannabis Use in U.S. from 1979 to 2022

 

According to a recent study by researchers at Carnegie-Mellon University published in the journal Addiction on May 22, 2024, the number of Americans who use marijuana in some form every day is surpassing the number of people who drink alcohol for the first time in U.S. history. 

Alcohol is still widely used, but 2022 was the first time this intensive level of marijuana use overtook daily and near-daily drinking. The cannabis research in this study, conducted by Carnegie-Mellon professor Jonathan Caulkins, is based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Reports show that daily or near daily marijuana use grew by 269% from 2008 to 2022. Meanwhile, the prevalence of daily or near daily alcohol use fell by 7%. In 2022, the median drinker reported consuming alcohol on 4-5 days in the previous month, compared with 15-16 days for the typical marijuana user. 

Big picture numbers in the study show:

*An estimated 17 million people report using some form of cannabis daily compared to 14.7 million using alcohol

*74% of Americans live in states where medical or recreational uses of marijuana are legal (source: Pew Research)

*40% of all current cannabis users report using it daily or nearly daily

Researcher Jonathan Caulkins noted that trends of cannabis consumption from 1979-2022 have corresponded with policy restricting or expanding marijuana use saying, “…cannabis use now appears to be on a fundamentally different scale than it was before legalization.”

The study relied on self-reported data and acknowledged that participants' willingness to self-report may correspond with increased public acceptance for marijuana use. 

Increased THC Toxicity Concern: The amount of the chemical THC contained in marijuana has skyrocketed from 1.5% a few decades ago to THC concentration levels of 30%–50% present day. High concentrations of THC can lead to cannabis use disorder, increased emergency room visits, and elevated suicide risk. For those with underlying mental health issues, high concentrations of THC in marijuana can increase anxiety and depression and interfere with daily function and performance.

Access the study:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.16519

Memorial Day Weekend: Remember & Honor

 

On Memorial Day Weekend, we pay tribute to the heroes who have sacrificed to uphold the cherished values of the United States of America. It is a day of remembrance and reflection for all U.S. military personnel who have died in service and families who have lost a loved one during our nation's wars. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have fought and died for our freedom.

Let's Unite to make this Memorial Day Weekend 

a celebration of courage, honor and unity!

The Faces of Fentanyl

 

 

Did you know we lose an average of 200 people a day in the U.S. to a substance so small that it fits on the tip of a pencil? 

Fentanyl is in every community across the nation - an extremely dangerous substance that is often pressed into counterfeit pills or mixed in powder so someone may not even realize they are taking it...until it’s too late.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has created a special exhibit called The Faces of Fentanyl to commemorate the lives lost from fentanyl poisoning. The exhibit is located at the DEA Headquarters at 700 Army Navy Drive, in Arlington, Virginia. Citizens are welcome to submit a photo of a loved one lost to fentanyl by visiting the Faces of Fentanyl page on the DEA website at: https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness

View this short YouTube video with a National Fentanyl Awareness message from DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. It only takes one bad decision with Fentanyl - One Pill Can Kill!

Findings from the DEA’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment

 

Findings from the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment, released on May 9, 2024, show that Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the U.S. has ever faced, killing nearly 38,000 Americans in the first six months of 2023 alone. Fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, like methamphetamine, are responsible for nearly all of the fatal drug overdoses and poisonings in our country. 

In pill form, fentanyl is made to resemble a genuine prescription drug tablet, with potentially fatal outcomes for users who take a pill from someone other than a doctor or pharmacist. Users of other illegal drugs risk taking already dangerous drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine that has been laced or replaced with powder fentanyl.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that drug-related deaths claimed 107,941 American lives in 2022. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are responsible for approximately 70% of lives lost, while methamphetamine and other synthetic stimulants are responsible for approximately 30% of deaths.

According to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, the DEA's top priority is to reduce the supply of deadly drugs in our country and defeat the two cartels responsible for the vast majority of drug trafficking in the U.S.

Fentanyl is the nation's greatest and most urgent drug threat. Just 2 milligrams (mg) of fentanyl is considered a potentially fatal dose. Pills tested in DEA labs average 2.4 mg of fentanyl – but range from 0.2 mg to as high as 9 mg. The advent of fentanyl mixtures to include other synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes, or the veterinary sedative xylazine, have increased the harms associated with fentanyl.

Seizures of fentanyl, both in power and pill form, are at record levels. Over the past 2 years, seizures of fentanyl powder has nearly doubled. DEA seized 13,176 kilograms (29,048 pounds) of fentanyl powder in 2023. Meanwhile, the more than 79 million fentanyl pill seized by the DEA in 2023 is almost triple the amount in 2021. Last year, 30% of the fentanyl powder seized by DEA contained xylazine – up from 25% on 2022.

Social media platforms and encrypted apps extend the cartels’ reach into every community in the U.S. and across nearly 50 countries worldwide. Drug traffickers use technology to advertise and sell their products, collect payment, recruit/train couriers, and deliver drugs to customers without having to meet face-to-face. This new age of digital drug dealing has pushed the peddling of drugs off the streets of America and into our pockets and purses.

The DEA's National Drug Threat Assessment gathers information from many data sources, such as drug investigations and seizures, drug purity, lab analysis, and information on transnational and domestic criminal groups.

View the 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/NDTA_2024.pdf

NBC News Report: Fentanyl Test Strip Results Are Under Scrutiny

 

If you search illicit drugs on social media and messaging apps, you'll likely find drug dealers claiming that the pills they sell have been tested for fentanyl...but should consumers trust that? Law enforcement detectives working on opioid response teams say, "Absolutely not!"

According to a recent NBC News Report, fentanyl test strips can be effective, however experts caution there is also a chance that the deadly opioid can also go undetected. Investigators say that while test strips do work, for completely accurate results the entire pill or batch of pills needs to be tested - a fact that is not always understood or practical for most users. It is possible that when only a portion of a pill is tested, it could show up as negative for fentanyl while the rest of the pill may be positive. This is because no pill is processed and made in the same way - therefore counterfeit pills may not contain even amounts of fentanyl.

The DEA reports that 70% of the counterfeit pills it tested last year contained a fatal dose of fentanyl leading to record numbers of accidental poisonings and death. Many people are not even aware that they may be ingesting fentanyl and the results can be deadly. 

Nationwide, fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans age 18-45. The surge in overdoses has led many health departments to provide free fentanyl test strips for users. However, there isn't clear data to prove that the strips are preventing overdoses.

View the NBC News Report

 https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/despite-testing-fentanyl-is-often-undetected-in-illicit-drugs-211273285966

Mental Health Month - Support Resources in English & Spanish

 

In yesterday's blog post for Week 4 of Mental Health Awareness Month during May, we learned that while everyone deserves the mental health support they need, sometimes barriers and challenges get in the way. These may include values, traditions, experiences, background, and even language affecting various racial and ethnic minority groups.

To serve diverse communities, information and services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate can help provide the best mental health support for those who need it.

Help is available in English &
Spanish to serve all communities

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope

https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

 

Hay ayuda disponible tanto en Espanol
para server a todas las comunidades

https://www.samhsa.gov/encuentra-apoyo

https://988lifeline.org/es/obten-ayuda/

Mental Health Awareness - Support for Everyone Who Needs It

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month dedicated to increasing awareness and erasing stigma. Whether a mental struggle is with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or a more serious diagnosis, everyone deserves access to respectful and culturally appropriate care.

Week 4's focus is on the unique challenges, strengths, and context that affect mental health in those from various racial and ethnic minority groups. Mental health care providers are encouraged to consider the unique nuances and needs of the diverse communities they serve. Cultural values, traditions, and experiences should be respected when providing support. 

Addressing and reducing barriers to treatment are the first steps to building more equitable health systems. We must work together to improve access to mental health for people of all racial and ethnic groups - and for anyone who needs it!

SAMHSA offers resources to support 

mental health for people of all cultural backgrounds

https://www.samhsa.gov/encuentra-apoyo

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope

https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/native-americans/

https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/black-mental-health/

Help Youth Celebrate Safe & Substance Free

 

It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the achievements of our amazing youth – from prom to graduation, birthdays to end of school parties and start of summer break.🎓😎

Kids deserve to have fun and create memories, but it’s also important for them to be safe. As parents and caring adults, it is our responsibility to help our children celebrate safely and responsibly especially since they and many of their friends are underage.

Of all alcohol-related fatalities involving teens each year, approximately one-third take place during April, May, and June prom and graduation season. Research shows that youth who start drinking before the age of 15 are at much higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life than those who begin drinking at age 21.

InnerAct Alliance joins with our prevention partners at Informed Families and the National Family Partnership to help Florida’s kids grow up safe, healthy, and drug free. We are happy to share tips from the Safe Homes Smart Parties Guide to help parents guide teens in ways to celebrate responsibly and set firm guidelines for acceptable behaviors during this celebratory time of year.

Before you shop for party decorations or help them don a graduation gown, have a talk with your son or daughter about substance use. Take steps to ensure that no alcohol or drugs are available at teen parties held at your home and are actively discouraged at friends’ homes or community events they may be attending.

*Plan in advance – check party plans and know who the guests will be. Set definite limits to help prevent an “open party” situation.

*Agree to rules ahead of time – some suggested rules might be: no drugs including alcohol and tobacco🚭– no leaving or returning to the party – no gate crashers.

*Know your responsibilities – the responsible adults at a teen party must be visible and aware. It is illegal to serve or provide drugs including beer, wine, wine coolers, etc. to anyone under age 21.

*Supervision is key to keeping a party safe – if guests arrive acting like they are under the influence, notify their parents immediately. Anyone who leaves the party should not be allowed to return – this discourages leaving with intent to drink or use drugs elsewhere then returning to the party.

*Welcome calls from other parents to discuss party arrangements and notify neighbors beforehand that a party is planned and will be supervised.

*Plan snacks & activities – have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks on hand and plan fun activities such as movies, dancing, sports, that everyone can enjoy together. Unique and sober teen party suggestions offered by Love to Know can be found at: https://www.lovetoknow.com/parenting/teens/safe-sober-grad-night-ideas

*Feedback – after the party, talk with your teen to share observations and frustrations.

Safe and sober parties help teens celebrate in a fun but low-risk way. For tips  on how to host safe teen parties, visit Informed Families at https://www.informedfamilies.org/campaigns/safe-homes-smart-parties and take the Safe Homes, Smart Parties pledge promising that no alcohol or drugs will be present at parties you host. 

Connection Between Substance Abuse & Mental Health

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41% of youth ages 10-19 who died from a drug overdose during 2019-2021 had a documented mental health condition. Mental health issues and substance use frequently go hand-in-hand - that's why it is important to understand their connection and support loved ones who are struggling.

Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a mental health problem often referred to as Substance Use Disorder (SUD). It can be caused by a combination of behavioral, biological, and environmental factors. Co-occurring disorders may affect each other and disrupt ability to function at work or school, maintain healthy relationships, or cope with stressful situations.

Those who suffer from mental health disorders are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol, which may only provide temporary relief and trigger further issues. Use of substances can actually worsen depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems - chronic use may cause irreversible changes to brain chemistry.🧠

Good news is that mental health orders and substance use disorders are treatable. Getting treatment can result in effective, long-term management of symptoms. 

For more information, download the Partnership to End Addiction's free Substance Use & Mental Health guide at https://drugfree.org/mental-health-guide/

Mental Health Awareness – Pregnant & New Moms Need Care Too

 

In Wednesday’s post for Week 3 of Mental Health Awareness Month, we learned that while pregnancy and new parenthood are joyful, it can also be an exhausting, overwhelming, and emotionally complex time.

According to the Office of Women’s Health, about 1-in-8 women report symptoms of postpartum depression in the year after giving birth – it’s very common and women who are struggling should not hesitate to reach out for help. If you know someone who is pregnant or recently gave birth, check to see how they’re feeling and offer support.💖 

Watch this short video shared by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suggesting ways for new moms to take care of themselves while they’re also learning to care for a new baby👶🍼:  

*Find a self-care routine that works for you
*Prioritize rest - nap when baby naps
*Take a relaxing bath or shower
*Listen to music
*Gentle exercise - try stretching or yoga
*Go outside for fresh air, sunshine, or a short walk
*Stay connected to family and friends
*Accept help with chores, meals, baby care

SAMHSA offers resources to support
mental health for all ages & stages of life

https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/maternal-mental-health/

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope

IAA Staff Enjoyed Attending Leadercast G.H.O.A.T. Event

 

Several of our InnerAct Alliance staff members – Cindy, Tammy, Katrina, Susan, and Amy - enjoyed an informative day of Leadercast training at the Bonnet Springs Event Center with Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association on May 15, 2024. 

This year's theme was G.H.O.A.T. – Greatest Habits Of All Time. It was an outstanding opportunity for participants to learn from a variety of guest speakers and have impactful conversations. 

Take Action Today: Mental Health Action Day – Thursday, May 16

 

InnerAct Alliance is joining with our prevention partners at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for Mental Health Action Day today, Thursday, May 16, with the goal to shift our mental health culture from awareness to action.

Emotional health can range from thriving to struggling but no matter what we are experiencing, there are ways to support yourself and those around you. Mental Health Action Day encourages and empowers people to take charge of their mental wellness. Proactive steps can be as simple as adopting a positive “mental health habit” like eating a balanced diet, getting a good night’s rest, exercising, or offering support to a friend or family member.

SAMHSA offers simple actions that everyone can take to improve their mental health:

*Practice gratitude – think about what you’re thankful for – like supportive family and friends, a safe home, or even a beautiful day. Find something to celebrate, like a recent accomplishment. Consciously practicing gratitude may reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

*Volunteer – participating in community organizations and finding opportunities to help others can provide a positive boost and sense of purpose.

*Engage in random acts of kindness – buy a cup of coffee for a person in line behind you, hold the door for a stranger, or make food for a neighbor or colleague. Small acts that can brighten someone else’s day.

*Practice mindfulness – take a few minutes to mediate, take a yoga class, or do some breathing exercises to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

*Recovery is possible – whether it is for yourself or someone else, seek help through SAMHSA’s resources: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health. 

During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we encourage you to have more conversations about mental wellness, share helpful resources, and help eliminate stigma and misinformation about mental health. 

Mental Health is Health

Mental Health for Pregnancy & Postpartum

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month dedicated to increasing awareness and erasing the stigma. 1-in-5 adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness – whether it’s anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or a more serious diagnosis, experts say we all need to keep our mental health in check. InnerAct Alliance is dedicated to helping to dispel the stigma of mental illness and make it clear that “It is okay not to be okay.”

Week Three’s focus is on the Importance of Maternal Mental Health among Pregnant and Postpartum People. It is often said that pregnant mothers glow from the inside out. Pregnancy and giving birth can be joyful but it can also prevent a variety of strong emotions which may include feeling overwhelmed, scared, tired, worried, and inadequate. Depression, anxiety, and other symptoms during or after pregnancy are common and treatable – it can affect new parents of every culture, age, gender, race, and income level.

For many people, these feelings go away on their own in time. But for some, these emotions may be more serious and require assistance. Proper self-care and seeking help when you need it can help you maintain good mental health. Seeking help is the first step to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.

If you are not feeling like yourself, remember that you’re not alone and it’s okay to seek help. SAMHSA offers resources to support the mental health journey at all ages and stages of life. 

Reach out: ➡️ https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/maternal-mental-health/

Midweek Vibes: How Are You Feeling Today?

 

Happy Wednesday! Midweek is a good time for a check-in...how are you feeling today?

A feelings check-in, also known as an emotional check-in, is a mindful pause that allows you to recognize and acknowledge your feelings. When you regularly check in with yourself, you’re telling yourself that your feelings and experiences matter.😊

Acknowledging feelings is a powerful form of self-care and self-respect. Staying aware of feelings and emotions can help us better understand ourselves, identify areas of concern, and cultivate a greater sense of wellbeing.

So, whether you're feeling energized or exhausted, optimistic or uncertain – give yourself the same kindness and understanding that you’d offer to a family member or good friend. You are worth it! 💗

Device Down Time During Dinner

 

This past weekend, we showered our wonderful Moms with cards, flowers, and delicious meals to show appreciation for the special women who unconditionally love and support us. Several Moms I have spoken with mentioned that what they cherished most about this special time was how their families took the day to celebrate together with minimal cell phone and technology use - just enjoying each other's company! Wouldn't it be great to enjoy family-focused time like this more often? 

There are many benefits to having dinnertime be device-free.📵Studies show that putting down devices during dinner can help us connect better with our families. When everyone is focused on their phones, it is easy to miss out on the conversation and bonding experiences that are so important for families. Taking an hour or so during dinner to share about the day, relax, and enjoy each other’s presence can have many benefits for your family!

*Increased communication – when not distracted by a phone, you’re more likely to talk to and really listen to what each other has to say. This can go a long way to strengthen relationships and help build trust.

*Improved family bonding – spending time together without distractions can help to create a  sense of closeness and belonging. This is especially important for children who need to feel connected to their families.

*Reduced stress – when not constantly checking your phone, you can relax and enjoy your meal without feeling anxious or stressed. This can help to improve digestion and overall wellbeing.

*Better sleep – the light from electronic devices can interfere with sleep. By unplugging from devices at dinnertime, your body and brain have a chance to wind down, enjoy a meal, and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

So, next time you're sitting down to dinner with your family, suggest an hour to unplug and really enjoy your meal together. You and your family will be glad you did!👪

source: Informed Families - The Florida Family Partnership

National Prevention Week - May 12 - May 18, 2024

 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to join with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and prevention partners across the country to celebrate National Prevention Week May 12 - May 18, 2024 and showcase the important work of communities and organizations to prevent substance use and promote positive mental health.

Prevention happens every day. One of the major goals of substance abuse prevention is to delay the age of onset of substance use - the earlier parents start talking to children about the risks of using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD), the better. Starting conversations early – and having them often – is critical because these days kids are inundated by more information than ever.

Building knowledge of the facts and negative health effects that substance use may have on developing brains and bodies is an important first step. However, inexperienced youth may not be fully convinced by the possibility of negative consequences and may instead believe that adverse effects won’t happen to them.

Communicate effectively with children and teens. Active involvement and support of parents and caring adults is critical in the prevention of youth substance abuse. Science shows us that adult and teen brains are wired differently. The rational part of the brain that is responsible for understanding consequences, known as the prefrontal cortex, is not fully developed until about age 25. That’s why teens aren’t always capable of good judgment. Teens process most information in their brain’s amygdala, which controls emotions, so they tend to rely more on their feelings than thinking their actions through.

*Pair facts about substance use and brain development with teachable moments and strategies that youth can use to resist temptation and peer pressure.

*Create opportunities to practice skills that involve kids in communicating effectively, setting reachable goals, making responsible decisions, identifying and managing emotions, and bonding with peers. Encourage this in children of all ages using age-appropriate explanations, activities, and role play to prepare for situations they will face at school, on the playground, and with peers.

*Discuss consequences of youth's actions to help them link impulsive thinking with facts. This helps the brain make these connections and wires the brain to make this link more often.

*Remind your children that they are resilient and competent. Many times, we are so focused in the moment that we have trouble seeing ways to take positive steps to change bad situations.

*Take an interest in things that are important to your kids. It doesn't mean you have to like their music or video games, but showing an interest in things they are involved in shows them they are important to you.

*Ask teen if they want you to respond when they come to you or if they'd prefer that you just listen. Don't try to fix problems or place blame - make it safe for them to come to you about anything.

*Remember that while their friends are important to them, the majority of teens say their parents are the #1 influence on their decisions about whether or not to drink or use drugs, according to the Partnership to End Addiction.

*Positive communication between parents and children, including discussing feelings, experiences, and beliefs, is important for healthy relationships and can help children do better in school and in life.

There’s more to prevention than facts. Together, we can educate and support our children so they feel empowered to make informed decisions. When kids choose the path they want to follow and develop skills to safeguard their future goals, they are more inclined to choose actions that are consistent with their goals and not take risks to jeopardize their ability to achieve them.

SAMHSA is working to change the prevention landscape by providing evidence-based and accessible resources to facilitate collective action. By showcasing the work of partners in prevention, we can confront the societal challenges surrounding substance misuse while celebrating the stories of prevention. For more information, visit SAMHSA at https://www.samhsa.gov/.