Stress Overload at Root of Teen Substance Misuse

 

When we look deeper at reasons why youth may resort to alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use, often stress and social pressures are at the root. School demands, negative feelings about themselves, peer or family issues, taking on too much, or having too high expectations can result in teens experiencing stress overload, which can lead to alcohol and substance use.

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

*Monitor how stress may affect your child's health, behavior, thoughts, or 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 exercises

*Break large tasks down into smaller, attainable goals

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

Teens can practice relaxation responses like deep breathing and meditation to lower heart rate. Let them know that they can confide in a trusted adult or friend to talk about their feelings - these are 2 healthy ways to deal with stress triggers.

Learn more

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

 

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #17: Living the Dream Healthy & Substance-Free

 

40 Years-40 Stories| Story #17: Living the Dream Healthy & Substance Free!

In our last Story #16, we celebrated how much fun InnerAct Alliance's Outreach Team has taking prevention out into our community. We mentioned that event participants can always enjoy some fun hands-on activity or craft when they visit the IAA Display, plus receive helpful resources for parents and families.

Question: What Do Dream Catchers Have to Do with Substance Abuse Prevention? 

EVERYTHING...it's just the start of Living the Dream! One of our favorite activities provides the opportunity for kids to make their own Dream Catcher. It's a creative craft that's free and fun to make with significance of a much deeper meaning to help students realize their dreams can come true if they do the right thing and choose to live a healthy, alcohol- and substance-free life.

Themes for Our Proactive Prevention Projects

Live a Healthy Lifestyle - drug use impedes your dreams

Plan for the Future - planning is key to meeting your goals

Work Hard - implementing your success plan takes time and effort

Once You're Living Your Dream - help others catch theirs too

Goals Give Life Direction!

When teens are focused on their dreams and working towards them, they're less likely to get sidetracked by drugs. Achieving goals boosts motivation and perseverance so youth can achieve their dreams and make powerful choices for their future.

All donations - big or small - help to encourage youth, amplify their voices, and celebrate their strength. Please donate to InnerAct Alliance's prevention efforts to encourage youth to choose to be drug-free!

Donate 

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

*40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #LivingTheDream #DreamCatchers #YouthEmpowerment #GoalSetting #DrugFree #HealthyLifestyle #PreventionWorks #PolkCounty #DreamBig #ChooseLife

Help Youth Celebrate Safe & Substance Free

 

This is 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 to be safe and smart.

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 age 15 are at much higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life than those who begin drinking at age 21.

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. Before shopping for party decorations or helping them put on their graduation gowns, 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 discouraged at friends' homes or events they may be attending. 

For tips on how to guide teens in ways to celebrate responsibly, visit:

https://www.informedfamilies.org/campaigns/safe-homes-smart-parties

  

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #16: IAA Prevention Outreach in Our Community

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #16 IAA Prevention Outreach in Our Community

At InnerAct Alliance, we believe in the power of education, communication, connection, and access to resources that help to build stronger, safer substance-free communities.

Where You'll Find Us

IAA's Prevention Team enjoys participating in local community events to share how our agency's FREE prevention education programs positively impact the Lakeland and Polk County areas. Each year, InnerAct Alliance connects with families to offer tools and resources at events such as: Heartland for Children's Reunification Celebration; Spring Fling & Easter Egg Hunt at Crystal Lake Elementary; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Caring; Annual Watermelon Festival at Bonnet Spring's Great Lawn & Florida's Children's Museum; community expos, resource fairs, health & wellness fairs.

Come say hello to the friendly faces of InnerAct Alliance who always provide hands-on activities or fun children's crafts, useful resources for families, and fun giveaways for participants!

Social Norms in Schools

You'll also find our prevention team at Polk middle and high schools sharing proactive Social Norms messaging with students during lunch periods to highlight the "upside" of current statistics.

Good News: Most Polk County students in grades 6-12 are making healthy choices NOT to drink, smoke, vape or use other drugs!

Other messages include:

Equality - 100% of the Human Race is Deserving of Respect & Kindness

Anti-Bullying - Bullying is 100% Preventable

Student participants receive special rewards and treats! Schools benefit from using these strategies on campus as a way to increase student safety, prevent problem behaviors, and improve student outcomes.

Invite Us to YOUR Event!

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

Please Support Prevention By Donating

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #CommunityOutrach #PreventionWorks #SocialNorms #PolkCounty #CommunityEvents #Equality #AntiBullying #HealthyCommunities #ResourceFair #PreventionEducation

Make Happiness a Habit

 

Remember to Enjoy the Little Things in Life! The secret to happiness is finding joy in the little things every day. But often, we tend to overlook those micro-moments in the pursuit of creating and savoring the big ones. This quest can leave you feeling depleted or disappointed. So, how do we make happiness a habit?

In honor of International Day of Happiness - which was celebrated last week on March 20 - we are sharing some terrific reminders from Peace River Center's suggested list of ways to help us focus on the tiny pleasures we have in our lives every single day:

Get some sunshine 🌞- getting fresh air, soaking up the sun's rays, and taking a few moments to be mindful can help improve our mood organically.

Put on a fun song & dance 💃 - even if you're a terrible dancer, get your groove on! Moving our bodies is not only a great way to get out of our heads, but exercise can boost serotonin.

Shift your perspective🙏- when things get challenging, look for things to be thankful for. Focusing on those can help shift our perspective. 

Make your face smile😊- sometimes, our bodies and brain follow when we make ourselves smile genuinely. Just practice smiling! 

Reach out to others who bring out the best in you 👦👧👨👩 - sometimes we just need some time with friends who love us for who we are. Surround yourself with more people like this!

If you find that you are struggling to choose happiness and could use some support, help is just a phone call away at Peace River Center.📱 Reach out to their appointment line at (863) 248-3311.

Welcome Spring! 🌷

 

Happy Spring from InnerAct Alliance 🌷

 with special thanks to our friends

at Positively Present for the inspiring graphic!

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #15: Learn to Recognize Signs of Youth Substance Use – OTUS Trailer

 

Prevention Begins at Home!

Walk into an average teen's room and you'll likely find clothing piles on the floor, scattered school supplies on a desk, and a range of personal care products on the vanity. Nothing unusual for parents raising teens but looks can be deceiving.

Critical insights about teen behavior can be found within that clutter and correcting risky behaviors early is key to successful prevention. 

Statistics show most Polk County kids are doing the right thing - however as responsible parents, we should know the warning signs to look for in case our children or teen may be headed in the wrong direction. 

Introducing the OTUS Trailer

In 2019, InnerAct Alliance partnered with the Polk Sheriff's Charities to present an exciting new resource to educate adults and parents of teens in our community. The "Own the Upside...Avoid the Downside" Trailer is an interactive mobile exhibit that houses a replica of a teen's bedroom that adults can walk through to interact with dozens of items on display and learn to recognize clues signaling potential involvement in drugs and risky behaviors - visible in plain sight or concealed in everyday items.

Participants will be enlightened by what they learn and gain valuable information about current trends and resources to help children navigate safely through their teen years.

Book the OTUS Trailer for YOUR Organization 

This exhibit is a FREE educational resource made possible by Polk County Sheriff's Charities and InnerAct Alliance. Schools, churches, businesses, or community groups may invite an IAA representative to visit with the OTUS Trailer and share an informative presentation. 

Please note: a minimum parking space of 9' wide x 20' long is required at your location to accommodate the trailer

Adult Audiences only: due to the nature of material covered

Schedule: contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 or https://www.inneractalliance.org/prevention-in-the-community.html?

It's important to know the facts and act responsibly to help prevent our children, students, neighbors, families and friends
 from becoming the next substance abuse statistic.

Donate

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #OwnTheUpside #OTUSTrailer #ParentEducation #PreventionBeginsAt Home #PolkSheriffsCharities #TeenSafety #SubstanceAbusePrevention #KnowTheWarningSigns #PolkCounty

Prevention Education Helps to Defy the Odds

 

Goals of prevention efforts are to delay the age of onset of substance use, prevent progression of use (to a potential substance use disorder), and reduce harms. One way to do that is to begin educating children at an early age - the earlier the better. 👪

Prevention experts recommend talking about alcohol and substances with your child when they are about 9 years old - before they are exposed to alcohol and other drugs. If you speak with your kids directly, honestly, and often - they are more likely to respect your rules and advice. This builds a solid foundation for communication and the opportunity to help shape a child's thoughts and actions about alcohol as they move forwards towards adolescence.

As a licensed prevention partner in the state of Florida, InnerAct Alliance works to empower youth to make smart choices and encourage adults to be stronger role models. 💪

Please support local prevention initiatives to help us stay ahead of substance use by inviting a representative from InnerAct Alliance to share a free program with your school students, PTA, church group, community organization, or business lunch/learn. Please call (863) 802-0777 or visit our website at: https://www.inneractalliance.org/

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #14: Kudos to Our Wise & Creative Kids

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #14: Kudos to Our Wise & Creative Kids - Then & Now! 

For the past four decades, InnerAct Alliance's prevention programs have educated and encouraged healthy life choices for students based on evidence-based factual information. We are always amazed by the creative ways that students express their feelings about the importance of living alcohol- and drug-free and celebrating the truth that most young people do NOT use drugs or alcohol.

The Power of Social Norms

Students enjoy using their creative skills to positively encourage prevention! Statistics show that Social Norms Campaigns can effectively help teen rethink their position and change perception about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. If kids believe they are among the majority who do NOT drink, smoke, or use substances, that becomes their truth and it influences the choices they make.

Messages from Kids Speak Volumes!

Student Creativity Today!

Please support InnerAct Alliance to help youth
succeed in all aspects of their lives!

Donate

Text IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #StudentVoices #CreativeKids #PreventionArt #SocialNorms #DrugFree #StudentCreativity

Wishing You Luck of the Irish on St. Patty’s Day!

Everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day!🍀This holiday began as a Christian feast day celebrating the life of St. Patrick and spreading Christianity to Ireland. Today, it is celebrated as a day of revelry with food, drink, music, and all things Irish!💚

Remember to wear green and on this day, may your troubles be less and your blessings be more and you come into luck like never before! ☘

If you're looking to dish up something special for St. Patrick's Day dinner tonight, here are some delicious recipe ideas from corned beef & cabbage to hearty Irish stew to tasty Irish soda bread:

https://www.almanac.com/best-st-patricks-day-recipes

Final Project Prom Shopping Day: This Saturday March 21

 

InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact have been busy this spring hosting our 14th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students. Our goal is to educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation.

The final Student Shopping Day is this Saturday, March 21, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Highway 98 North in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillard's).

Students with a Polk School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free and receive their formal wear FREE! Congrats to the Polk students who have already pledged and took home special dresses and suits on our February and earlier March shopping days. Over 6,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

Community members can support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men's dress pants (waist 30-36) and shirts (all sizes). 

Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on March 21 during shopping hours and at the IAA office at 621 South Florida Ave., in Lakeland (weekdays 8:30am-4:30pm). 

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk

Spring Break Safety: How to Keep Teens Safe & Responsible

 

Spring Break😎is an exciting time for teens as it offers a break from school, a chance to relax, and time to spend with friends. But, time off also comes with risks like peer pressure, substance use, and online dangers. 

 

Spring Break should be fun and exciting, but safety comes first. As a parent, you can help your teen stay safe with proactive communication and setting clear rules to avoid risks like substance abuse, accidents, and exploitation. By setting rules, talking openly, and giving teens the tools they need to make good choices, you can help them enjoy their time responsibly. 💪 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to partner with Informed Families to promote the Safe Homes, Smart Parties campaign, which offers, simple steps for parents to protect teens and keep spring break safe. 

Here are some suggestions to help your teen make smart choices during their spring break:

Make Your Home a Safe Space - The best way to keep your teen safe is by making sure your home is a secure, supportive place. Don't allow underage drinking or drug use at home. Communicate with other parents to ensure your teen is going to supervised gatherings. Plan fun, alcohol-free activities to keep your teen engaged and out of harm's way.

Set Clear Rules & Expectations - Before spring break starts, sit down with your teen and set ground rules. Talk about curfews, plans, and who they'll be with. Ask them to check in with you regularly through text or calls. If they are traveling, go over safety measures, emergency contacts, and how to handle unexpected situations.

Talk About Peer Pressure & Substance Use - Peer pressure is common during spring break. Help your teen feel confident in saying no to risky situations. Practice responses they can use if someone offers them alcohol or drugs. Encourage them to stay with friends who make smart choices. Remind them that underage drinking and drug use can lead to dangerous situations and bad decisions.

Teach Online & Social Media Safety - Teens are always online, so it's important they understand how to use social media safely. Explain that once something is posted online, it can't be erased, even if deleted. Warn them not to share their location, which could make them a target for strangers.

Talk About Safe Transportation - No matter where your teen is, they need a safe way to get around. Make sure they have access to safe rides. Remind them to never get in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Encourage them to use rideshare apps, public transportation, or a designated driver if needed.

Keep Communication Open - Teens need to feel comfortable talking to you. Make sure they know they can reach out for help without fear of punishment - and that they can call you at any time if they feel unsafe. Listen and let them share their thoughts and concerns. Show support and understanding when discussing tough topics.

Take a stand against underage drinking and risky behavior by supporting the Informed Families' Safe Homes, Smart Parties Campaign. Visit: https://www.informedfamilies.org/catalyst/spring-break-safety-tips-for-parents      

We wish everyone a fun, relaxing, and safe Spring Break! 🌞        

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #13: Project Prom - Making Dreams Come True

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #13 Project Prom - Making Dreams Come True!

Springtime means the countdown to Prom is underway! Unfortunately for some teens, expenses associated with attending this milestone social event may be out of reach. InnerAct Alliance and the UthMpact coalition are proud to collaborate on Project Prom, now in its 14th year, to provide FREE formal wear to high school students and educate youth and parents about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation.

The Impact

Since 2013, over 6,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to Polk teens! UthMpact also offers Project HOCO in the fall to provide formalwear for Homecoming!

Final Spring Student Shopping Day

Saturday, March 21
Time: 11AM to 4PM
Location: Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall (3800 U.S. Hwy 98N, Lakeland) - enter to the right of Dillard's

Students with a Polk County High School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits at no cost!

Donations Needed

Community members may donate gently used dresses, men's suits, shoes, purses, jewelry, and accessories. Especially needed are: Women's dresses sizes XS (0-3) and plus sizes (18+) - Men's Suits in smaller sizes - Dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes)

Support Project Prom!

$40 = cost to print special tags for clothing
$400 = provides brochures for each teen/family
$4,000 = funds nearly 6 month's rent for the Project Prom Store

Donate

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate 

text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #ProjectProm #UthMpact #PromDresses #FreeFormals #PolkCountyTeens #MakingDreamsComeTrue #ProjectHOCO #CommunitySupport #DrugFreeProm

Today March 11 is National Promposal Day

Today, March 11, is National Promposal Day prompting teens across the nation to ask this exciting question:

"Will you go to Prom with me?" 🌷

Traditionally, Prom is one of the most memorable times in high school. Men's Wearhouse is credited with founding the first National Promposal Day in 2016 to inspire students to create the ultimate ask for their prom date. Get creative and have fun with it!❓😊

Prom takes a lot of planning! That's where InnerAct Alliance, UthMpact, and our Project Prom effort can help! Choose the perfect dress 👗, the coolest tux, shoes, and accessories for FREE in exchange for signing a pledge to celebrate this special event alcohol- and drug-free!

Our final Spring Project Prom Student Shopping Day is coming up next week on Saturday, March 21, at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall. Visit the IAA Blog tomorrow for more info!

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #12: Meet IAA Friend Patrick T. Grady

 

40 Years - 40 Stories | Story #12: Meet Patrick T. Grady - He Has Character, He Encourages Character, He IS a Character! ⭐

For over 30 years, Patrick Grady has been leading rallies, trainings, and planning retreats for our nonprofit agency. He's a great friend to InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, and UthMpact, as well as a mentor to so many in our community.

About Patrick

Patrick hails from Wahoo, Florida, and is the owner of Today & Tomorrow Enterprises, Inc. He travels full-time throughout North America inspiring and encouraging individuals to do their best in all endeavors. He's a published author and licensed presenter for keynote addresses and delivers the most entertaining and informative seminars.

His supportive family includes a wonderful wife, one beautiful daughter, fantastic twins (a boy & a girl), four sisters, two brothers, nine nieces, ten nephews, to in-laws (no outlaws!), three dogs, four hogs, eleven chickens, and a partridge in a pear tree! Please consider giving this talented, brilliant, handsome, witty, charming, intelligent gentleman a shout out and support InnerAct Alliance in his honor!

Support Prevention Education

$40 = classroom set of workbooks for students

$40/month = 12 class sets of student workbooks
$400/month = incentives & materials for 12 classes

$4,000 = 10 more hours of prevention instruction

Thank you, Patrick for 30+ years of dedication to our mission!

Donate by

texting IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #PatrickGrady #ThankYouPatrick #CommunityHeroes #PreventionEducation #30YearsOfService

#Mentor #Motivational #PolkCounty

Children Are Seeds of Our Future

 

The wonder of youth and promise of hope for the future are wonderfully depicted in this photo - the world would be a better place if everyone dreamed as a child does! 💭

Parenting these days is quite a challenge, especially finding ways to keep our children healthy and drug-free. In addition to communicating about the risks of harmful substances, one of the best ways to keep kids off drugs is to encourage them to dream big and set goals that will keep them futured on a bright future. 🌈 Having dreams and goals in life teaches us to focus attention on things that are most important. It helps create a vision of how we would like our life to be.

Children are the seeds for the future - let's nurture them to blossom to their full potential. When young people have dreams, along with family encouragement to achieve them, they can learn to be responsible, persevere through obstacles, and develop effective strategies to achieve their goals in life - all vital skills need to avoid the trap of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and addiction.

Spring Forward – Set Clocks Ahead 1-Hour This Weekend

 

It's almost "time" to spring forward! Daylight Savings Time begins on the second Sunday in March - which this year falls on Sunday, March 8, at 2am - that's THIS WEEKEND!⏰

Best to set your clocks FORWARD 1 hour before going to sleep on Saturday night so you don't wake up confused the next day! With the start of Daylight Savings Time, we may lose an hour of sleep😴but on the bright side, we gain later sunsets! 🌇

Here in the United States, a few parts of the country do not observe Daylight Savings Time - Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

Personally, it would be great to see Florida join that list. I enjoy Daylight Savings Time with the sun being out longer at the end of the day 🌞- but it's crazy to keep moving backwards and forwards every year. 

Just pick one - Daylight Savings or Standard Time - and keep it that way. Studies show time change increases heart attacks and road collisions and we all feel "off" for a few days every spring and fall. Which side are you on?

Save The Date: Own The Upside Annual Prevention Summit - May 4, 2026

 

40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #11: UthMpact Rocks!

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #11: UthMpact Rocks!

UthMpact is our youth coalition comprised of 40 outstanding student leaders, all working together to create a more positive teen culture in Polk County. One powerful way they accomplish this? Social norming campaigns in schools!

How It Works

Students are asked what percentage of teens in Polk County use alcohol or other drugs. At first, students may guess incorrectly that it's a higher percentage; however, by the end of the campaign, they answer correctly - learning most teens do NOT use drugs. When students know the FACTs, they feel empowered to make healthy choices, stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and support each other to stay drug free.

Check Out These Creative T-Shirt Designs! 

These peer-to-peer campaigns are changing perceptions and saving lives!

Support Pro-Active Messaging from Our UthMpact Teen Leaders

$40 = sponsors a UthMpact student's personality test

$40/month = covers meals for UthMpact Class

$400/month = bus transportation for Leadership Days

$4,000 = brings in a National Motivational Speaker

$40,000/year = provides staff support for UthMpact Leadership program

Donate by

Texting IAA to 26989

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate 

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpactRocks #SocialNorms #YouthLeaderships #PeerToPeer #TeenLeaders #PolkCounty #MostTeensDont #PreventionWorks #PositiveChoices

It's Important to Keep Track & Safely Dispose of Medications

 

Truth is...most teens don't get prescription pills from strangers. They get them from the home medicine cabinet. 1-in-4 teens say they've abused prescription drugs. That's why keeping meds locked up safely out of the reach of children, teens, and those who may have addiction issues matters.💊

Our prevention partners at Informed Families are sharing quick steps that can make a real difference.
* Lock them up
* Track what you have
* Safely dispose of meds that you don't need

InnerAct Alliance and StandUP Polk would like to share when and where citizens can dispose of unneeded or expired human and pet medication. Our county's DEA National Rx Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 10am-2pm at participating Police Department locations.

Be aware💊 Don't Share💊 Lock Your Meds💊