Test Your Marijuana IQ

 

We all know that Marijuana can affect the ability to make decisions, solve problems, and perform other cognitive functions, but...how much do you REALLY know about the effects and risks of Marijuana? You might be surprised!

One thing you should always remember is that current strains of marijuana have much higher levels of THC than was available years ago. The higher levels of THC today may lead to higher rates of addiction.

Our prevention partners at The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an online quiz to test your Marijuana IQ. 

Click the following link to find out

https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana-quiz

Pharmacists Partner in Prevention

 

Pharmacists are essential partners in preventative health. Statistics show 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy. With their reputation as trusted medication experts working in close proximity to the public, local pharmacists are in a perfect position to provide in-person education for youth, parents, caregivers, and policymakers and share health risks of some of the substances that are labeled as "legal" but often hidden in plain sight right on the shelves at our neighborhood gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops.

Although products such as nitrous oxide inhalants, kratom, Delta-8 and Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Salvia divinorum may be marketed as "legal" or "natural, it does not mean they are safe. In fact, these substances have been proven to put young people at risk. Studies show that they are associated with dependence, neurologic injury, psychiatric effects, and accidental harm in the youth population. Increased awareness about the very real health risks posed by these widely available products is essential for the health and well-being of our children.

Druggists can also play an important role in monitoring emerging substance-use trends and encouraging safety measures, age restrictions, and proper labeling standards. It takes a village to raise a child and we all share the responsibility for educating ourselves and our children to protect their health and well-being. This week, we will take a closer look at some commonly used substances in the gray zone of legality and safety that are widely accessible to you.

Read more: https://www.drugtopics.com/view/hidden-in-plain-sight-legal-substances-putting-children-at-risk 

IAA Prevention Education in Our Schools & Community

As the second half of the 2025-2026 school year gets underway, InnerAct Alliance remains committed to protecting Central Florida youth and strengthening families through substance abuse prevention education and community support. We believe that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and drug-free future!

Our amazing team of educators is busy teaching evidence-based prevention programs, such as Keep A Clear Mind, Too Good for Drugs, and Project ALERT, in classrooms across Polk County. These programs encourage students to make healthy life choices and help them build strong resistance skills to avoid risky behaviors and experimentation with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, vaping, and other drugs.

In addition, we are excited that several schools have invited us to share informative social norms facts with high school students during their lunch breaks. Social Norms help proactively change perspectives about substance use with a positive message to students that most of their peers are NOT involved in substance abuse and risky behaviors. IAA offers this free of charge and our agency provides all materials needed.  

Our outreach team is also looking forward to participating in upcoming local community events to share prevention facts and fun activities with children and families. 

Learn more about IAA programs on our website https://www.inneractalliance.org/prevention-in-the-schools.html

For information about bringing free prevention programs to your school or community organization, please contact IAA's executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777.

Strategies for Mindful Internet Usage in Our Connected World

 

This month, we've featured blog posts about the impact of media use and technology on Generation Alpha and the Parents of Gen Alpha Kids and shared helpful information about potentially dangerous social media apps as well as the warning signs of cyberbullying. In the constantly connected world we live in, it's important to practice digital mindfulness to help us be more aware of our use of technology and its impact on our lives.

Studies show that for some teens, the line between the virtual world and the real world can sometimes be blurry. Although social apps and websites may be marketed as a safe and fun place to interact with others online, there is also a dark side that can shape the way teen feel about substance use.

Social media may influence some teens to experiment with dangerous substances like alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and prescription drugs. When kids are influenced by images of young people partying, they may think it's the only way to have a good time. Some companies take advantage of this to market addictive substances to children and teens even though it's illegal to do so. Marketing tricks like hiring social media influencers to promote vaping products and offering promotional giveaways to attract school-age students have helped to create a new generation of young people hooked on nicotine.

Children and teens need adult guidance when it comes to the realities and dangers of social media usage. Teach them that what they post can adversely affect important relationships, hinder potential job opportunities, and impede their goals. A good tip is to get them in the habit of pausing for a minute to "think before they post" to avoid sharing impulsive content, images, and messages they may regret later.

What Can Parents and Caregivers Do to Keep Their Child Safe?

*Keep a watchful eye on your child's social media use
*Be aware of online sites they regularly visit
*Discuss dangers of interacting with strangers on social media
*Help teens think through consequences of online actions and dangers of trending challenges
*Remind youth that what others post may not reflect reality

Parents should remind teens that after scrolling the internet, they will return to living in the real world. And that's the world in which we need to live our lives - not the virtual one. 

For more tips to help keep children safe and drug free, visit the Partnership to End Addiction's website at www.drugfree.org

Trying Dry January – How’s It Going?

 

At just about the 3-week point of this month, how is your Dry January resolution coming along? Whether you're planning to take a full alcohol-free month or simply being more mindful about drinking habits, Dry January doesn't mean perfection. It's meant to help you reset, recharge, and rethink your relationship with alcohol as you move forward.

Checking-in is not about assigning a grade but more about what you've learned or if you've identified some useful takeaways from this experiment. 

Has Dry January been easier than expected? That may suggest your relationship with alcohol is more in the "habit" category than dependency. 👍

Was it hard at first, but things have been improving? That may mean your brain is adjusting to a "new normal" and not drinking is starting to feel more natural.🧠

Or is it still hard to fight the cravings? That may mean alcohol was playing a larger role in your life than you realized.🍹

Are you sleeping better? Do you have more energy? If you feel better when you're not drinking or when your drinking is decreased, than your body is telling you something.😄

Special thanks to our friends at LAL Today for

 sharing local locations to try refreshing alcohol-free mocktails: 

https://laltoday.6amcity.com/guide-mocktails-lakeland?utm_term=laltoday&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=laltoday&utm_content=laltoday   

For more info on how to recognize drinking patterns, acknowledge signs of a problem, or find tools to make a chance, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov

Potentially Dangerous Social Media Apps Parents Should Know About

 

It's no secret that kids of all ages are on some type of social media on their digital devices. Some of these apps may not be suitable for all ages. Often, they may fly under the radar of parents so it's important to stay updated on the latest news about dangerous apps, viral trends, and online slang kids are using.

Monitor usage and know which apps your child has installed on their phone. Some may present opportunities that can potentially lead to bad decision-making and threaten the overall safety and privacy of your children. It may expose them to cyberbullying and explicit content - making them vulnerable to more dangerous types of interactions

Challenges also arise when children "hide" apps in folders or use "disguised" apps that make them difficult to recognize or find. In addition to physically checking their phones often, look into a more advanced reliable solution like a parental control app to make it easier to monitor your child's digital activities and access tools needed to restrict, block, or delete them as you see fit.

Teach your kids to be good social media stewards - encourage wise choices, never bully or accept being bullied. Encourage them to report any bad behavior from others right away to you. As a parent, you must stay vigilant to keep your kids and their digital experiences safe.

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

 

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

Many family-friendly events have taken place during the holiday weekend in our community. If you missed the City of Lakeland's 2026 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, our friends at LAL Today have kindly shared a link to watch from the Lakeland Government Network: https://media.lakelandgov.net/video/1155084848 

As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life of service today, may we commit to making a positive impact on our world, no matter how big or small.

Stay Informed: Visit IAA Website & Follow Us on Social Media

 

Next time you're surfing the web, please bookmark our agency's website 

and follow us on social media to stay updated on news, information, 

and resources related to prevention of substance abuse.

https://www.inneractalliance.org/ 

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance/

  

https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk?fref=ts 

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk

 

https://www.facebook.com/owntheupsidepolk 

https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/

Impact of Media Technology on Parents of Gen Alpha Kids

 

Continuing our look at the impact of Media Technologies on Generation Alpha kids, it stands to reason that it would also be important to check-in on internet use by the Parents of Generation Alpha children. 📱

Kids are like sponges - they are constantly absorbing information from world around them. From an early age, they are most influenced by the routines and behaviors learned from their parents and the adults who interact with them regularly during their lives. Generation Alpha children have been surrounded by adult use of digital technology and internet use from the beginning of their lives. And, their parents, primarily Millennials, are heavy social media users.

21st century parenting is firmly grounded in technology - and technology has impacted what it means to be a parent. A 2014 report from cybersecurity firm AVG stated that 6% of parents actually created a social media account, and 8% an email account, for their baby or toddler. Statistics shared by an online company specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing called Baby Center reported that 79% of Millennial mothers have used social media on a daily basis and 63% have used their smartphones more frequently since they became pregnant or gave birth. Today's moms report that the time they have spent on social media has increased 24% on Facebook and 33% on Instagram after becoming a mother.

Social media has added another dimension to the use of technology. In today's digital world, it is important to be aware of the risks that come with posting or sharing content online - especially when it comes to children. Oversharing can make kids vulnerable to identity theft and harassment. Nonprofit advocacy group Common Sense Media warns parents to take extreme care to guard privacy and monitor content they post. This helps protect from having their children's - as well as their own - personal information and/or photos fall into the wrong hands. The warning was issued after a Utah mother reportedly found a photograph of her children on a social media post with pornographic hashtags in May 2015.

On the upside, the Millennial generation's familiarity with the online world can be a positive factor to model common sense and healthy tech habits. It's a parent's responsibility to help kids learn to balance technology with real-world connections. Parents should stay involved in their child's online engagement, set boundaries for screen time, and teach good digital citizenship skills. Installing parental controls can also help guide safe and positive digital experiences. The goal is to build the trust and skills needed to make media one part of a healthy routine for the whole family. 👪

Impact of Media Technology on Gen Alpha

 

Generation Alpha is our first generation growing up entirely in a digital world. This group of children, born 2013 to present, has been surrounded by technology from a young age with devices often introduced as a soothing distraction or educational aid. It has had a profound impact on their development. 

Studies show that screentime among 21st century infants, toddlers, and preschoolers has increased significantly during the 2010s - with nearly 90% of young children using a handheld electronic device by age 1; 58% exposed to a smartphone or tablet by age 4; and almost 1-in-4 kids having a personal cell phone by age 8. A Common Sense media report suggests that the amount of time spent using mobile devices has increased from 15 minutes a day in 2013 to 48 minutes in 2017 - up to an average of 84 minutes a day on platforms in recent years. 💻

Many Gen Alpha kids have not only formed a comfort level with devices like smartphones and tablets, but they have been engaging with video content as a form of entertainment from very early in their development. Studies report that kids favor apps with engaging short-form, attention-getting video content like that offered on YouTube Kids and TikTok. A 2025 study in Academic Pediatrics reports that more than 68% of social media users ages 11-12 already had TikTok accounts even though the age restriction is age 13 on both TikTok and YouTube. It's also led to a growing interest in gaming, with Roblox becoming a popular go-to platform for kids to create virtual worlds and interact with other users.📱

Being born into the age of technology and constant access to screen media comes with both positives and negatives. On the plus side, some researchers and educators suggest that use of electronic devices at a young age should be embraced as a way to prepare children for life in our digital world. Used and monitored correctly, they say it can teach skills that children will need for life offline as well. On the downside, the digital world comes with serious challenges that may lead to cyberbullying, screen addiction, and exposure to inappropriate content. (see our January 12 blog post on cyberbullying). 

It's up to parents to closely monitor their children's time spent on devices as well as the content they are viewing - and that should be balanced with participating in other fun activities in the "real world" like playing outdoors with friends and siblings, reading, and enjoying family time like we did as kids too. 👦👧

Florida Bill Proposed for Open Cannabis Containers in Motor Vehicles

 

A proposed Florida bill aims to prohibit open or ready-to-use cannabis products inside motor vehicles, a move aimed at improving road safety and discouraging driving high. This comes at a time when studies find that roughly 1/3 of people killed in Florida traffic accidents test positive for THC.

Supporters say the bill mirrors Florida's open container laws for alcohol and its intent is to reduce impaired driving. It would make it illegal for drivers or passengers to possess open cannabis products in a vehicle, whether the car is moving or parked. Products would be required to be locked in the glove compartment or trunk of the vehicle if the packaging has been unsealed. The bill would allow police to search a vehicle for open containers upon reasonable suspicion or if they smell marijuana. First offenders would receive a small ticket; subsequent offenses may result in up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. 

 

Opponents say that the bill raises concerns about unintended consequences such as singling out medical marijuana patients and possibly infringing on their constitutional right to access the product. With first violations resulting in suspension of medical cards and the second violation causing permanent revocation, they argue qualified patients may be penalized for using a state legal constitutionally protected medication. Critics also say that by bringing back the smell test, even those lawfully transporting their legal products could be at risk of vehicle searches by police. 

This bill has been filed both in the Florida House and Senate. The next legislative session begins today - Tuesday, January 13, 2026. If passed and signed into law, the bill would take effect in July 2026.

Read the proposed Florida Senate's HB 1003: Open Cannabis Containers in Motor Vehicles at:

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1003

IAA Celebrates Day of Caring to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a true champion of justice known for inspiring others with his immortal words, "Life's most persistent and urgent questions is 'What are you doing for others?'"

InnerAct Alliance was happy to participate in our community's 4th Annual MLK Day of Caring last weekend at the Florida Children's Museum at Bonnet Springs Park to celebrate kindness, service, and Dr. King's legacy. Kids and families were treated to free admission to the museum, entertaining live performances, community resource vendors & giveaways, hands-on activities, and more. 

At the IAA table, kids were encouraged to have fun creating their own unique dream catchers illustrating the theme "My Dream is..." The kids did an outstanding job on their dream catchers, don't you think?😊

The federal holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is officially observed on the third Monday of January each year - this year, MLK Day is on Monday, January 19th! 

Cyberbullying Warning Signs & Prevention #STOPBULLYING

 

Many of the warning signs that cyberbullying is occurring happen around a child's use of their device. 

Cyberbullying can occur through SMS (short message service), text, apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where users can view, participate in, or share content. It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone.

Thanks to our prevention partners at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for sharing this informative graphic highlighting some warning signs of cyberbullying to watch for and tips on how to prevent it.

Warning Signs

*behavior may change
*device use may increase/decrease
*emotional response to device (anger, laughter, upset)

*hiding screen
*social media accounts shut down/new ones created
*withdrawal or depression

What To Do
*stay alert

*talk/ask questions
*document
*block
*report
*support

How to Prevent
*always monitor social sites, apps, browsing history

*check child's location/privacy settings
*follow/friend your teen
*stay updated on latest apps, social platforms, slang
*establish rules for digital behavior, content, apps
*teach good digital citizen skills
*use parent monitoring software

In upcoming blog posts, we will examine other important issues involving use of technology that parents must be aware of to keep a safe digital footprint for the whole family.

Break the Stigma During Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month

 

January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month and it serves as an important reminder that behind every diagnosis is a human being. Substance use disorder does not discriminate. Language matters. Compassion matters. Access to treatment matters.

Community support can go a long way. Join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and InnerAct Alliance to help break the stigma and encourage full support and understanding for persons seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders throughout the United States.

Help is available to determine the right level of care for you or a loved one. FindTreatment.gov offers helpful information to assist with understanding addiction and mental health issues. It provides the ability to search for health facilities, healthcare centers, and assist with financing for treatment. To access this confidential and anonymous resource, click: https://findtreatment.gov?

Studies Link Behavioral Changes to Pot and Videogames

 

Maybe a recent holiday gift in your home was a new gaming system or video games...here's some information that parents should be aware of. 

Growing research is raising concern about a potentially dangerous combination common among youth today - cannabis use paired with excessive gaming. Video games can be fun played in moderation, but health experts warn that when done in excess and combined with substance use, it may create a perfect storm for fueling psychotic disorders like psychosis, schizophrenia, and other serious mental health conditions - particularly in teens and young adults whose brains are still developing until their mid-20s.

We know that cannabis has been linked to development of psychotic disorders over the years and now recent research has provided an even clearer connection. A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Psychiatry in April 2025 found that cannabis use disorder is associated with increased dopamine activity in the same brain pathway involved in psychosis. The dopamine system plays a vital role in motivation, reward, and reality perception. Cannabis use alters the dopamine pathways. So does gaming as it releases dopamine through rewards. Combining the two together can overstimulate the brain's reward system and trigger psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and disorganized thinking.

Parents should monitor children's gaming habits regularly and be alert for signs of substance use. Having open conversations creates safe environments where young people can feel comfortable seeking help if they are having problems.  

Start the New Year Tobacco Free

 

Many of us think about the positive changes we want to make in our lives in the new year. Whether you believe in making resolutions or not, any time is a good time to think about kicking the tobacco habit. 

If you'd like to start 2026 tobacco free, set yourself up for success by creating a plan, learning what it takes to quit, and knowing what to expect from the process. You don't have to stop smoking in one day - and you don't have to do it alone. The key is to use proven-effective resources.

InnerAct Alliance and Tobacco Free Florida are here to support you in starting your journey toward a healthier, smoke free life. Tobacco Free Florida's Quit Your Way Program offers Floridians free tobacco cessation resources such as a "quit coach" who will help you access a personalized quit plan. There's also an option to join a Group Quit Session led by a trained specialist. The program provides access to up to 4-weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy products including nicotine replacement patches, gum, or lozenges to help you become tobacco free when you sign up for one of the Quit Your Way services.

Other resources include text support, a Quit Guide, and helpful emails - all available at no charge. 

Learn more about available tools to assist in quitting smoking: https://tobaccofreeflorida.com/ready-to-quit-smoking/  

FL News: Sunshine State No Longer Lightning Strike Capital of U.S.

 

After dominating rankings for decades, Florida is no longer the official lightning capital of America. According to a new report from AEM's Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN), Oklahoma has officially surpassed the Sunshine State with the highest concentration of lightning - registering 73 lightning strikes per square mile last year.

ENTLN scientists use new technology involving over 1,800 sensors to detect lightning activity in real time across the United States. Sensors measure lighting activity with exceptional coverage and precision to show how new patterns are evolving.

Scientists explained that the shakeup at the top ranking is due in part to a significant shift in weather patterns. Florida experienced a relatively drier than average year in 2025, with most Atlantic hurricanes staying out to sea. This, paired with intense thunderstorm activity in Oklahoma, has shown that the Great Plains are emerging as an increasingly active region for high-impact storms.

With Oklahoma leading the way in lighting flashes per square mile and Florida in second, third and fourth place belong to Louisiana and Kansas, respectively.

When it comes to fatal lightning strikes, however, Florida still leads all states by a sizable margin, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. Since 2006, Florida had 97 deaths followed by Texas (42) and Colorado (27). In 2025, 4 deaths were reported in Florida.

To protect our health and avoid becoming a lightning victim, stay vigilant to local weather alerts. Check the forecast before leaving home, especially during the storm-heavy summer months. June 15 was listed as the "most lightning-intense day of the year" in 2025, with 926,016 flashes.

Read:https://aem.eco/2025-lightning-report-first-look/

Health Watch: Try the Dry January Challenge

 

Happy, Healthy 2026! With a new year underway, many folks make resolutions to improve their health. Some commit to taking the Dry January Challenge, which continues to grow in popularity, to abstain from drinking alcohol for one month as a step to change drinking habits or explore the effects that a break from beer, wine, or spirits can have on their health.

This public health initiative was launched in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK to address the role that alcohol plays in people's lives. It has shown evidence that after 30 days of not drinking, many report better sleep, increased energy, weight loss, and lower blood pressure.

More than half of people who drink alcohol at least once a month say they've tried this. Some new data from Oar Health shows that sticking with it is not easy. The Survey found that 1-in-3 people nationwide don't make it through the whole month - most often due to cravings, social pressure, or anxiety over that one party they promised to attend. The biggest drop off comes during the second week of January.

To make it easier to stick to your goals, Harvard Health Publishing has shared some Tips on How To Do Dry January:

*Find a substitute non-alcoholic drink - for social situations or when you crave a cocktail, have alcohol-free beverages like sparkling water or virgin drinks readily on hand. Non-alcoholic beer or wine are options but check the label to be sure it's truly alcohol-free and doesn't contain a high sugar content.

*Avoid temptation - keep alcohol out of your house. If you are invited to someone's home, bring non-alcoholic drinks with you.

*Create a support group - let family and friends know your intentions so they can support you and help keep you accountable. Enlist a buddy to do the challenge along with you.

*Track your progress - apps are available to help track your drinking, help you set personal goals, and offer motivational info like calorie counts and money saved from not drinking.

*Don't give up - if you slip, don't feel guilty...just begin again the following day!

Read: Benefits of giving Dry January a try! 

https://www.oarhealth.com/alcohol-use-disorder/health/15-reasons-embrace-dry-january