Alcohol Poisoning – Know What It Is & When to Seek Help

 

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in the U.S. and even moderate use can lead to serious health and safety risks. As April's Alcohol Awareness Month draws to a close, InnerAct Alliance joins with the Partnership to End Addiction to highlight the importance of continuing conversations about the dangers of alcohol use and knowing how to recognize signs of alcohol poisoning.

Binge drinking, defined as 4-5 drinks in 2 hours, is a common cause of alcohol poisoning that can happen when someone drinks too much alcohol too quickly causing alcohol in the blood to rise so much that it starts to affect important body functions like breathing and heart rate. Alcohol poisoning is preventable and knowing what to do if it happens can save a life. Symptoms may include: vomiting, seizures, slow or uneven breathing, low body temperature, confusion/passing out, pale/blue skin or lips, being unconscious or difficult to wake up.

Alcohol poisoning is not something that gets better with sleep or drinking water. It can cause serious health problems, such as brain damage or even death if not treated right away. If you see someone with signs of alcohol poisoning, call 911 or get them to the nearest emergency room. Stay with the person, watch their breathing, and try to keep them awake. Turn them on their side so they don't choke. Do not try giving them coffee, putting them in a cold shower, or letting them sleep it off - this can make things worse. Let emergency responders know what & how much the person drank, any other substances they may have taken, and other health information you may have.

For free alcohol resources and a confidential alcohol risk assessment, visit the Partnership to End Addiction at: https://drugfree.org/alcohol-resource-center/

Healthy Brain Habits

Your brain shapes every aspect of your life from decision-making to memory, emotional well-being, and problem-solving. The brain🧠is our most valuable asset, so nurturing it makes sense and it will pay dividends for years to come.

It's never too early to adopt brain-healthy habits. Cognitive health is a lifelong process. Small changes made in childhood, adulthood, or even in later years can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Alcohol and smoking have harmful effects on brain health. Alcohol consumption is known to cause several brain anomalies. Heavy alcohol use🍹reduces brain volume and impairs cognitive function, increasing risk of dementia and stroke. Smoking🚬contributes to oxidative stress, damages brain cells, and accelerates cognitive decline. Avoiding these substances protects brain structure, enhances cognitive longevity, and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. 

With the right lifestyle choices, you are not just adding years to your life - you're adding life to your years. Your brain 🧠 will thank you!

National Prevention Superhero Day

 

InnerAct Alliance is echoing the sentiments of our friends at Informed Families as we celebrate today as National Superhero Day in honor of the real-life heroes who guide kids towards safe, healthy futures every day! Thanks to Parents, Teachers, Mentors, and Coaches - your time, love, dedication, and real conversations are the true superpowers our kids need to see and emulate! 💪

Positive Vibes to Start the Week

Did you know that smiling can instantly raise your vibe - even if you don't mean it?😊 Positive vibes are like a magical potion that can change your whole perspective and that of others. Try it - smile or laugh then notice how quickly your vibration rises. 

Let's all start the week by surrounding ourselves with good vibes and nothing can bring us down! 💓

Time to Clean Out the Home Medicine Cabinet

 

Start your spring cleaning with your home medicine cabinet - tomorrow Saturday, April 26 is your opportunity to dispose of unwanted or expired medication at our community's spring Drug Enforcement Administration's Medication Take Back Day! 

Medication stored in home medicine cabinets can become a public safety issue and wind up in the wrong hands - too often becoming a gateway to addiction. 

InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, and local law enforcement partners in Polk County invite you to help make our community safer by turning in expired or unwanted Human and Pet Medication tomorrow - from 10am to 2pm - at participating locations: 

See you Saturday between 10am & 2pm! 💊

Celebrate Every Kid Healthy Week!

 

Did You Know?

*approximately 1-in-5 students live with food insecurity

*nearly 20% of young people have mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder
*many disorders stem from adverse childhood experiences
*only 1-in-4 children gets physical activity each day

All kids deserve to be healthy - in body and in mind - for the health of the whole child. Every Kid Healthy Week is celebrated annually during the last week of April to encourage healthy lifestyles in schools and communities and highlight the link between nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and learning.

Healthy kids are better prepared to learn and thrive. We must all work together to ensure that all kids have safe places to play and be active, in addition to access to nutrition food and healthy, supportive experiences.

There's still time for families to play fun activities for Thoughtful Thursday and Family Friday! For creative ideas and activities, please visit Action for Healthy Kids at: https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/

Mid-Week “ME TIME”

 

We know that it's important to make time for self-care, but sometimes we need to be reminded to actually schedule that "ME TIME". Think about what will make you feel good and if there's any part of yourself that you've been neglecting recently. 

Remember that you can't continue pouring from an empty cup! Replenishing your energy through "ME TIME" enables you to show up as your best self in every aspect of life. 

If you can't think of anything to do, here's some quick ideas to try:

*Get yourself a small gift - maybe a book or bath bomb? 📚

*Cook a healthy meal for yourself 🍳
*Take a long shower or bath 🛀
*Schedule a massage or get a haircut 💆
*Take a relaxing walk or hike 💪
*Practice mindfulness ✍

"ME TIME" is the antidote to the relentless hustle and bustle of daily life. Little treats like these are not just fleeting moments of escape, they are small steps that can improve your life, reduce stress, and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. You need it...and you deserve it!💜

Celebrating Planet Earth on Earth Day

 

Today is Earth Day, the annual celebration to raise awareness and advocate for change on issues that impact our home - Planet Earth! The Earth Day initiative began in 1970 and has grown to include events coordinated globally that involve over a billion people in more than 193 countries. The 2025 theme is "Our Power, Our Planet" to encourage individuals, organization, and governments to prioritize and embrace renewable energy sources to create a sustainable future. The goal is to triple the use of clean energy sources by 2030.

InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, support Earth Day and local efforts to keep our community safe year-round. This Saturday, April 26, we join the DEA and 8 Polk County law enforcement agencies to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at participating locations listed below. Citizens may turn in unused or expired human and pet medication for safe disposal via incineration. This helps to keep medication from being misused or winding up in lakes and streams harming the water supply and wildlife. 

*Please note: we've just learned that Auburndale PD will not be a participating location.

Unwanted medication may also be taken to one of the Polk County permanent drop sites funded by GiveWell Community Foundation year-round at police department locations in:

Auburndale
 (weekdays 8am-5pm)

Haines City
(weekdays 8am-5pm)

Lake Alfred
(24hrs/7days)

Lake Hamilton
(weekdays 8am-5pm)

Lakeland
(24hrs/7days)

Winter Haven
(weekdays 8am-5pm)

Substance Use Influences in Today’s Media

 

Media has a powerful influence on young people and not always in a good way. InnerAct Alliance joins our prevention partners at Informed Families to encourage parents to talk to their children about substance abuse and how it is depicted in today's media. This is a message that cannot be repeated often enough.

Did you know that...

71% of prime-time TV shows depict alcohol use 🍹

19% show tobacco use 🚬

20% mention illicit drug use 💊

When drugs and alcohol are portrayed positively in the media, it sends mixed messages to teens - often increasing the risk of substance use. 

That's why it is important for parents to start the conversation early and teach kids how to recognize the signs of deceptive marketing and advertising for alcohol and other drug products. This helps to encourage and empower our young people to make more informed choices.💡🧠

Easter Weekend Blessings

 

Happy Easter Blessings

 to all who celebrate

 from the

 Board & Staff at InnerAct Alliance

Kids Benefit From a Positive Mindset

 

Mindset is a powerful tool - it helps align and attune mind, body, and heart by wiring the brain in a positive way, building self-esteem, and changing negative thoughts into positive ones. Similar to how exercise can boost physical health, daily affirmations can boost overall mental health and well-being to enhance your child's overall development and shape them to be happy, confident individuals.

It simply takes regular practice to make lasting changes. Ask your child what they like about themselves. Answers might be "I am strong" or "I am a leader." Have them repeat the positive statement to themselves often. You can even write it on a sticky note and put it on the bathroom mirror where they can see it daily.

Encouraging a positive mindset can be beneficial when kids encounter criticism from others or face risky situations!  

Delta-8 THC is Associated with Serious Health Risks

 

ABC News recently featured the story of a grieving mother who believes that her son's death from heart disease was caused by consuming Delta-8 gummies that he purchased at a local convenience store. A short while after eating the 500 milligram THC gummies, he collapsed and died at the hospital. 

Cause of death on the autopsy report said that he died of cardiovascular disease caused by build-up of plaque in his arteries, but the toxicology report also mentioned presence of marijuana metabolites and elevated levels of Delta-8 THC in his system. His family blames the marijuana content in the gummies for causing his heart to pump too fast. 

Cardiologists, like the one who treated this young man, report rising evidence that the THC in marijuana and Delta 8, 9 can inflame arteries and tissues increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Advanced studies over the last decade link use of marijuana and THC to more heart-related events including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, irregular heart beat, etc. In addition, a February 2024 study by the American Heart Association also showed that using marijuana results in 36% higher combined odds of coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Marijuana and THC-laced products are often marketed in ways that put public health at risk and they should especially be kept out of reach of children and pets. Consumers should be aware that Delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use. 

The 4-1-1 on Why & How to Talk to Kids 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 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.

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

Visit the Partnership to End Addiction:

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

Annual Prevention Summit This Thursday, April 17

 

Join InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition at the Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit this Thursday, April 17, from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the W.H. Stuart Center in Bartow, to learn about important issues facing our community. It is an opportunity for teachers, school resource officers, administrators, counselors, social workers, and prevention specialists 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 $25+ and includes a light breakfast and lunch. 

Registration

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-upside-prevention-summit-tickets-1219654261729?aff=oddtdtcreator

During 2025, InnerAct Alliance is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of serving the community with science-based education programs that increase protective factors and decrease risk factors for nearly 15,000 students, as well as outreach to over 100,000 citizens through informative presentations, a premier youth leadership program, teen-driven social norms marketing, and family-oriented awareness events. 

The 40th Anniversary celebration will officially kick off at the Prevention Summit with a special Anniversary cake cutting during lunch attended by local community leaders. All attendees at the Prevention Summit will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a piece of beautiful Ruby jewelry in celebration of InnerAct Alliance's Ruby Anniversary!

For information, please call IAA at (863) 802-0777.

Monday Must-Haves

 

Take a minute to ask yourself "What do I need today?" To start the week, most of us look for optimism and patience, but sometimes we may need ALL of these suggestions in the graphic from our friends @ Positively Present.

What helps is trying to maintain a positive daily routine, which is both an investment in yourself and an effort to help us better serve the needs of our families, work responsibilities, and communities. It provides a way to help us continue moving forward and creates momentum to carry us through the days that can be challenging.

Keep in mind 3 Daily Must-Dos to keep yourself ready for almost anything the day brings your way:

*Stay Hydrated - if you need your morning coffee, by all means, enjoy it!  But, be sure to also drink lots of water throughout the day. Fill up your favorite cup or tumbler of H20 and your body will thank you! 🥃

*Exercise - if you can get to the gym, great...if not, walk the dog before you leave the house. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or just take a minute to take a deep breath before the busy day begins! The key is to start your day with some kind of physical activity to help wake you up fully and stay focused.💪

*Give Yourself a Break! - be productive, but also build in a few breaks throughout the day. If you have to set a timer, do it. Resting for a few minutes allows you to break down big tasks into more manageable portions. You'll still get things done but you'll find that you will do so without becoming mentally fatigued.😅

Wishing us all a manageable, not manic Monday! 😊

Congratulations to Our UthMpact Leadership Class XIV Graduates

 

UthMpact hosted its graduation ceremony for high school student leaders who successfully completed the 2024-2025 UthMpact Leadership Class XIV program on April 8 at Bartow Civic Center. Nearly 510 students representing every high school in the county have been enriched by being a member of the Leadership Program, which is spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, and key business and community partners to assist teens in developing crucial leadership skills.

Participants complete a retreat and personality training and travel throughout the county on monthly Leadership Days to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and local law enforcement. Students participate in dozens of unique events and volunteer opportunities.

Each year, two seniors who embody the mission and leadership qualities of UthMpact were awarded $500 scholarships. Congratulations to the 2025 UthMpact Scholarship recipients Katie Narramore and Nick Barrios!

Candidates for the 2025 Leadership Class XV have been chosen based on their scholastic and leadership experience and their names will be announced soon. For more information about UthMpact, contact Samantha Barwig at 802-0777.

DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day – Saturday, April 26

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join the Drug Enforcement Administration  and its national and community partners for the 28th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Medicine stored in home cabinets is highly susceptible to abuse. Discarding medication by flushing or throwing it in the trash also creates potential health and safety hazards. This event helps educate about the potential for misuse and offers a responsible means of disposal. 

Our community's Prescription Drug Take Back Day includes the following Polk County locations for citizens to turn in Human and Pet prescription and over-the-counter medications (in liquid and solid form) as well as vaping pens and e-cigarette devices (batteries removed). Please place medication in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

*Bartow Police Dept. - 450 N. Broadway Ave.
*Haines City Police Dept. - 35400 Hwy 27
*Lakeland Police Dept. - 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
*Lake Alfred Police Dept. - 190 N. Seminole Ave.
*Lake Hamilton Police Dept. - 100 Smith Ave.
*Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Ave.
*Winter Haven Police Dept. - 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW 

Medication may also be taken to the county's permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at the police department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5). Permanent drop boxes can only accept medication in sold form (no liquids or syringes). 

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in over 29,000 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For more information on the local Prescription Drug Take Back event, please contact Angie Ellison, InnerAct Alliance Executive Director and StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777. 

IAA Out & About in Our Community

 

InnerAct Alliance's prevention team enjoys participating in special events to meet community members and share how our agency's free prevention education programs/services can positively impact the Lakeland and Polk County areas.

Last week, our team was busy participating in many wonderful Spring events. IAA's Charlie and Amy joined the fun at the Communities Outreach Expo on Friday morning, April 4 in Auburndale to offer helpful information and fun giveaways for participants. The previous day, our humane educator Michelle took part in the PACE Family Resource Fair and enjoyed connecting with children and families.👪

It was also a busy Saturday, April 5 with executive director Angie Ellison and staff Susan and Cindy on hand for the Spring Polk Together Conference to offer parents/adults an opportunity to tour our Own The Upside Trailer and learn about common items found in a typical teen's bedroom that may signal potential involvement in drugs and other risky behaviors. Other staff assisted UthMpact teens for the final student shopping day at the Project Prom Store in Lakeland Square Mall to help teens find fabulous formal wear at no cost when they sign a pledge to celebrate prom and graduation alcohol and substance-free.👗🤵 Finally, Charlie and Cindy were happy to join Heartland for Children at Crystal Lake Elementary's Annual Spring Fling and Easter Egg Hunt!🥚🐰

Feel free to invite the IAA Outreach Team to your upcoming community event to share prevention tools and spread awareness for safer, healthier communities. Call for information (863) 802-0777.

Why Alcohol is One of the Deadliest Drugs

 

Alcohol is the most socially acceptable and easily accessible drug on the market. What's worse is that many believe drinking is not as dangerous as other drug use but science and statistics consistently prove otherwise. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports alcohol causes 88,000 deaths each year, making it the 3rd leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.

Alcohol is different than other illicit substances that we know can cause overdose deaths. It is known to kill slowly by deteriorating the body - alcohol contributes to many deadly diseases including 7 forms of cancer, weakening of vital organs like the heart and liver, and adversely affects brain function.

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. So, next time you hear someone trying to justify drinking, remember just how deadly alcohol can be!

If you or someone you love has a drinking problem, help is available. Learning about different 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 NIAAA at:

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

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

 

April is Alcohol Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol use and misuse. It offers a timely reminder that it is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs. Fact is that children as young as 9-years-old may already view alcohol in a positive way. The older kids get, the more likely they are to drink. About 10% OF 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol; by age 15, that number increases to 50%. By the time they are seniors in high school, almost 70% will have tried alcohol (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA).

Parents and caregivers have a significant influence on their children's decisions to experiment with alcohol and other drugs - it begins by talking. Regular open conversations make it easier to transition to more serious conversations when needed. Take advantage of everyday opportunities to connect, like talking in the car, during dinner, or while watching TV and playing games. Be sure not to do all the talking, give your child the opportunity to ask questions and listen to what they say. Whether or not your child has tried alcohol or drinks regularly, knowing the facts can help them avoid succumbing to peer pressure since they will feel more confident making informed decisions after considering all the facts.

The Good News is that Most Polk Teens Do Not Drink - while research shows that underage drinking rates are declining. It is still important for teens to know how alcohol affects their health, how to identify signs of a problem, and where to get help. According to statistics collected among 6-12 grade students in Polk County annually, 90% DO NOT USE ALCOHOL (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, FYSAS 2024). Share this with your teen because when they realize that they are among the majority that do make healthy choices, they may feel empowered to avoid peer pressure and refrain from partaking in risky behaviors, such as drinking.

Free Educational Programs Available - InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are committed to educating youth and adults about the dangers of alcohol and substance use. Support local prevention efforts by inviting a representative from InnerAct Alliance to share a free educational program with your school, PTA, community organization, church, or business. Call 802-0777 and visit: https://www.inneractalliance.org/

More helpful resources for parents/caregivers are a click away:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA)

https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/alcohol?

Partnership to End Addiction

https://drugfree.org/article/why-teens-drink-and-experiment-with-drugs/

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/

Stress Overload at the Root of Teen Substance Misuse

 

Stress and social pressures are often reported by teens as the main reasons why they may turn to alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use. School demands, negative thoughts or feelings about themselves, peer or family issues, taking on too much, or having too high expectations can result in teens experiencing stress overload. 

As parents and caregivers, we can play a positive role in helping our teens learn to manage stress in healthier ways:

*Monitor how stress may affect your child's health, behavior, thoughts, and feelings

*Listen carefully to them and watch for signs of overload

*Learn and model positive stress management skills

*Support involvement in sports and other pro-social activities

*Encourage healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and good sleep routines

*Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxing activities

*Break large tasks into small, attainable goals

*Show how to challenge negative thoughts with neutral and positive thoughts

*Take frequent breaks to listen to relaxing music, draw, read, or journal

Teens can benefit by practicing "relaxation responses" that include deep breathing and medication to lower heart rate and/or confide in a trusted adult or friend to talk about their feelings - these are 2 healthy ways to deal with stress triggers.

Read: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/the-link-between-teen-anxiety-and-substance-abuse

Last Chance to Shop for Free Prom Attire Tomorrow, Saturday April 5

 

Tomorrow - Saturday, April 5 - is Project Prom's last Student Shopping Day of the spring season. If you are still in need of a gorgeous dress, spectacular suit, dancing shoes, or the perfect accessories, join us at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall tomorrow between 11:00am and 4:00pm. Bring your Polk School ID, sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug free, and receive your prom wear at no cost!

Project Prom welcomes donations of gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+), as well as men's dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts in all sizes. Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store tomorrow (Saturday 4/5) or at the InnerAct Alliance office, located at 621 S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland, from 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays. Thank you for your support! 👗🤵

Hidden Dangers of Party Drugs: Use of Synthetic Cathinone Stimulant, N,N-Dimethylpentylone, on the Rise

 

Prevention starts with awareness and awareness starts with open conversations with our kids. According to prevention partners at Informed Families, some dangerous party drugs are being disguised as something else and putting young people at serious risk. 

A synthetic stimulant called N,N-Dimethylpentylone (NPS) is being sold as designer drug MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, but it’s far more harmful that people realize.

A recent news article in Jacksonville, FL describes the availability of the psychoactive substance NPS on the illicit drug market of Northeast Florida. While users may think they are buying cocaine or ecstasy in some cases, they may actually be getting N,N-Dimethylpentylone, which may cause users to experience euphoria and increased energy, but harmful side effects may include hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, hallucinations, dehydration, loss of consciousness, and death.

Experts like Dr. Bruce Goldberger from the University of Florida have linked this drug to violent behavior, extreme paranoia, and even fatal overdoses. 

The numbers tell a scary story:

*In 2022, Florida saw 370 deaths caused by cathinones (the drug family that includes NPA)

*In 2023, that number almost doubled to 642 deaths, with cathinones found in a total of 917 cases 

*Use of these synthetic drugs jumped by 67% and deaths increased by more than 73% in just one year

These numbers are not just statistics - they represent real lives lost, real families devastated, and a growing danger for young people who may not even realize the risk they are taking.

Read: https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/07/11/newest-drug-to-hits-the-streets-makes-its-way-to-northeast-florida-nightclubs-bars/

Join Us to Stay Informed: Own the Upside Prevention Summit: April 17

 

Register Today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-upside-prevention-summit-tickets-1219654261729?aff=oddtdtcreator

Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

 

Addiction can happen to anyone and it is a serious medical condition. Drugs change the brain's structure and how it works, which is why it is considered a brain disease. Addiction can take people to dark places - and delusional thinking, caused by chemical changes in the brain, can keep them there.

Brain-imaging studies on people addicted to drugs show physical changes in areas of the brain that are critical for judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavior control. Scientists believe these changes affect the way the brain works and may help explain the many compulsive and destructive behaviors of someone who has a substance use disorder.

You Can Be Part of the Solution! Prevention and early intervention strategies can reduce the negative impact of substance use and mental disorders. When parents create supportive, nurturing environments, children learn to make better decisions. Foster strong, open relationships and talk to your kids about addiction being a disease. Help them learn the risks of using alcohol and other drugs. Also, encourage friends and loved ones who may have a substance use problem to seek help. All of this helps to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder - it can truly save lives. 

An excellent resource in our community is the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN), which supports prevention coalitions and partners through a 14-county network. Prevention partners provide information, resources, and coordinate efforts to help prevent substance abuse addiction. 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to serve as a prevention partner in Polk County, but if you live outside of Polk, CFBHN can help locate local prevention programs and partners in our community with their listing of services by county:

https://www.cfbhn.org/prevention-partners/

Did You Know Fact: Underage Drinking

 

Did You Know that 23% of high school teens drank alcohol in the past 30 days and 11% binge drank? Underage drinking causes 3,900+ deaths each year.

And a 5% increase in binge drinking among adults in a community is associated with a 12% increase in the chance of underage drinking. 

Youth drinking habits are greatly influenced by adults at home and in their community. Remember that prevention starts with us!