IAA Joins Heartland for Children at the Annual Child Welfare Provider Fair Today!

 

Looking for something fun to do now that school is out? Grab your hat and saddle up at Heartland for Children's 2026 Child Welfare Provider Fair today, Friday, May 29, from 10am to 2pm, at the Bartow Civic Center. 👪

This FREE event features community resources, health screenings, snacks, games, raffles, and fun. Participants will have an opportunity to connect with child welfare providers, explore local services, and discover new support opportunities for children and families in our community!

While you're there, be sure to stop by the InnerAct Alliance table to say "howdy" to IAA's own Angie Ellison and Tammy Coker! 🤠  

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #35: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates – Kadence Lesnett & Audrey Norman

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #35: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates - Kadence Lesnett & Audrey Norman

As we continue celebrating our 2025-2026 UthMpact Leadership Class XV graduates, we're honored to highlight two exceptional young leaders who completed the program on April 1, 2026!

Today, we celebrate UthMpact Graduates:

🎓 Kadence Lesnett
Entering the workforce

🎓 Audrey Norman

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Pre-Dental

The UthMpact Experience - through monthly Leadership Days, these graduates traveled throughout Polk County to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. They learned crucial leadership skills while educating their peers about substance abuse prevention through projects like Project Prom, Project HOCO, and the UthMpact Facts social norms campaign.

Congratulations Kadence and Audrey! Your dedication to leadership and prevention has made a lasting impact on our community. Whether entering the workforce or pursuing higher education, we can't wait to see all you'll accomplish!

* Follow UthMpact: https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk?

* More info: Contact Samantha Barwig (863) 802-0777

* Support Our Programs: www.inneractalliance.org

* Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact #ClassOf2026 #GraduatingSeniors #FutureLeaders #ProudMoment #PolkCounty #YouthLeadership

Teens, Social Media, and Mental Health

 

As the internet's role in the lives of young people continues to expand, so do fears of children becoming addicted. It's sad to realize that kids today will never know a world without social media - to the point that some parents admit that they're trying to keep their kids disconnected for as long as possible.👪

Teachers and those who work with young children have already noticed a marked decrease in attention span. Spending too much time on social media platforms already gives kids unrealistic expectations and creates low tolerance for boredom. AI has created new issues of concern that as kids get older, many tend to replace real interactions with inauthentic interactions, which is confusing to kids overall.

In 2025, experts from Pew Research Center found that about half (48%) of teens surveyed admit that social media has a "mostly negative effect" on people their age and 45% of teens admit to spending too much time on it.📱

Teens and parents may not realize that the goal of these companies is to always keep teens spending time on that platform. Whether or not the content makes the teens feel good or bad is immaterial to how the algorithms are programmed. 

Parents are advised to keep a watchful eye on their teens, monitor the social media platforms they use, and talk to them about balancing screen time as well as real time.

Read more about the use of social media and its impact on the wellbeing of today's youth, please visit: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #34: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates – Hope Hallock and Angelly Hernandez

 

40 Years - 40 Stories | Story #34: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates - Hope Hallock and Angelly Hernandez

As we continue celebrating our 2025-2026 UthMpact Leadership Class XV graduates, we're honored to highlight two exceptional young leaders who completed the program on April 1, 2026!

Today, we celebrate UthMpact Graduates:

🎓 Hope Hallock
University of Florida
Majoring in Mathematics

🎓 Angelly Hernandez
Ridge Technical College

The UthMpact Experience - through monthly Leadership Days, these graduates traveled throughout Polk County to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. They learned crucial leadership skills while educating their peers about substance abuse prevention through projects like Project Prom, Project HOCO, and UthMpact Facts social norms campaigns.

Congratulations Hope and Angelly! Your dedication to leadership and prevention have made a lasting impression on our community and we can't wait to see all you'll accomplish!

*Follow UthMpact: https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk?

*More info: Contact Samantha Barwig at (863) 802-0777

*Support Our Programs: www.inneractalliance.org

*Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stores #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact
#ClassOf2026 #GraduatingSeniors #FutureLeaders
#ProudMoment #PolkCounty #YouthLeadership

Resources and Support for Mental Health Awareness Month

 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to join with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Partnership to End Addiction, and other national and community partners to promote Mental Health Awareness Month during the month of May. This tradition dates back to 1949 and includes raising awareness, sharing resources, and supporting individuals and communities who need it most.

Mental Health includes emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Research shows that up to 50% of young people with mental health conditions may also struggle with substance use. Teens using drugs or alcohol may be dealing with anxiety, depression, or other conditions. As a parent, you can't prevent your child from feeling stress, but you can help them learn to cope and provide extra support and stability when they go through stressful life events.

The Partnership to End Addiction has shared simple suggestions for parents and caregivers to teach kids healthy stress management the equips them to manager life's pressures and stay healthy as they grow:

*Help your child put a name to their feelings - ask how they feel and listen without judging

*Teach kids simple ways to cope - taking a break, moving their body, or talking to someone can really help ease a stressful moment

*Stay connected - make time to talk early and often so that your child feels comfortable coming to you

There is also an informative video on the topic of Co-Occurring Disorders that helps explain a combination that may occur when mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD overlap with substance use. 

Click to view the 7-minute video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPkF1_Bjwjg

Help is available 24/7 through the 988 Lifeline network and the call or text to 988 is FREE and confidential. You may also visit https://988lifeline.org to access skilled crisis workers at the 988 Lifeline centers across the U.S. 

Other options for supportive online resources are SAMHSA https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support  or CDC https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/. Visit InnerAct Alliance for more health-related resources and tips: https://www.inneractalliance.org/. Stay informed - stay connected - stay safe!

Memorial Day Weekend: Remember & Honor

 

On this Memorial Day Weekend, we pay tribute to the heroes who have sacrificed to uphold the cherished values of the United States of America. 

It's a day of remembrance and reflection for all U.S. military personnel who have died in service and the families who lost a loved one during our nation's wars. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Let's make this Memorial Day Weekend

a celebration of courage, honor, and unity!

ABCs of Substance Use Disorder

 

Substance use and mental health disorders can make daily activities difficult and impair a person's ability to work, interact with family, and fulfill other major life functions. It helps to stay informed, know the facts, and invest in prevention programs and initiatives that help to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the use and misuse of drugs and other risky behaviors.

ADDICTION - drug addiction or substance use disorder is a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are considered drugs. When addicted, users may continue to use the drug despite knowing the harm it causes, even as it creates problems in everyday life or as it progresses into physical or psychological harm.

BRAIN & BEHAVIOR CHANGES - addiction can begin with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations. For some, drug use can become more frequent. It can cause absenteeism and loss of motivation leading to declining performance at school or at work. Physical Addiction occurs when repeated use of a drug changes the way your brain feels pleasure. Addictive Drugs can cause physical changes to nerve cells called neurons in your brain. Neurons use chemicals called neurotransmitters to communicate. These changes can remain long after users stop using the drug. 

CAUSES - several factors may contribute to development of drug addiction including environment (family beliefs and attitudes/exposure to a peer group encouraging drug use) and genetics (inherited traits may lead to drug use and delay/speed up disease progression). Risk of addiction and how fast it occurs can vary by the type of drug. Opioid painkillers have a higher risk to cause addiction more quickly than others. Soon, larger doses may be needed just to feel good. As drug use increases, users find it difficult to live without the drug. Attempts to stop may cause intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and even physical illness.

PREVENTION - the best way to prevent an addiction to a drug is not to take drugs at all. If your medical provider prescribes a drug with potential for addiction, follow the instructions and use extreme care when taking it. Use of medications should be carefully monitored to ensure users are not given too large of a dose or taken for too long a time.  

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #33: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates – Audra Ezell & Kayla Ezell

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #33: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates - Audra Ezell & Kayla Ezell

As we continue celebrating our 2025-2026 UthMpact Leadership Class XV graduates, we're honored to highlight two more exceptional young leaders - sisters who both completed the program on April 1, 2026!

Today, we celebrate UthMpact Graduates:

🎓 Audra Ezell
University of South Florida
Majoring in Finance

🎓Kayla Ezell
Florida Southern College
Majoring in Criminal Justice

A Family Tradition - over the past 15 years, UthMpact has been fortunate to have many siblings participate in our unique Leadership Program and pass down the tradition to younger family members. Audra and Kayla exemplify this legacy, both dedicating themselves to leadership development and substance abuse prevention together!

The UthMpact Experience - through monthly Leadership Days, these graduates enjoyed traveling throughout Polk County to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. They learned crucial leadership skills while educating their peers about substance abuse prevention through projects like Project Prom, Project HOCO, and UthMpact Facts social norms campaigns.

Congratulations, Audra and Kayla! Your sisterhood and shared dedication to leadership have made a lasting impact on our community. We can't wait to see all you'll accomplish!

*Follow UthMpact: https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk?

*More Info: Contact Samantha Barwig at (863) 802-0777

*Support: https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

*Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact #ClassOf2026 #GraduatingSeniors #FutureLeaders #ProudMoment #PolkCounty #YouthLeadership

Tips to Support Mental Health Every Day

 

In today's always-connected world, we walk a fine line between being "connected" or "consumed" by our interactions with technology. While the benefits of technology can offer connection, support, or even healing, it can also contribute to stress, comparison, misinformation, and unhealthy habits if it is not used mindfully.

During Mental Health Month this May, InnerAct Alliance joins our local community partners at Peace River along with national partners in mental health, to encourage healthy digital habits. This year's theme, "Wired for Wellness: Navigating Media, Gaming, & Social Connection," highlights how we can build resilience, set healthy boundaries, and use technology in ways that support, not harm, our mental health with some of the following tips:

*Pause Before You Scroll - notice how content makes you feel. If it increases stress, anxiety, or comparion  take a break

*Set Simple Boundaries - create "no phone" time, such as during meals or before bed, to give your mind time to recharge

*Don't Believe Everything You See - algorithms feed you more of what you watch. Online content can reinforce fears or lead to self-diagnosis. Seek trusted sources when it comes to your health.

*Use Technology Intentionally - ask yourself, "why am I opening this app?" Connection and purpose > mindless scrolling

*Gaming Can Be Positive - video games can help reduce stress and build connection but watch for overuse, sleep loss, or withdrawal from daily life. It's important to keep a healthy balance

*Protect Your Peace Online - unfollow, mute, or block accounts that negatively impact your mental health

Support is a Phone Call Away at Peace River Center

24-Hour Emotional Support & Crisis Line

(863) 519-3744

Text "TALK" to (863) 204-3443

Ways for Parents to Set Boundaries That Teens Will Respect

 

Parenting a teen today is not easy - but then, neither is being a teen! During adolescence, part of a teen's job is to test boundaries and push for parents to expand them. It's more important than ever for parents and caregivers to set safe and consistent boundaries with their children. It provides a foundation of stability that also helps teens control the rate at which they are changing - giving clear, safe borders to push against.

So, how can we set boundaries for our teens without creating a power struggle? Where can we learn about proven strategies parents can use to set healthy limits, establish boundaries, and create trusting relationships? 

InnerAct Alliance and our prevention partners at the Partnership to End Addiction can help with these helpful suggestions:

Create Boundaries Together - teens are much more likely to follow rules and limits that they help to create, so why not involve them in the discussion from the start. Be clear that the goal of the boundaries is to protect their health and safety, not to control them.

Include Consequences - let your teen help determine consequences for violating boundaries. Keep in mind questions like - are the consequences clear? Can you enforce them? Is it time-limited and related to the teen's action? Make sure you're both on the same page by reviewing each limit and stating the consequence out loud together. You may even want to put the details in writing.

Enforce Limits & Acknowledge Success - all teens make mistakes, that's how they learn. And when your teen does, it's normal to be upset - but avoid making empty threats. Only enforce the consequences you talked about, no surprises. When things go well, be sure to let them know - everyone likes a pat on the back, a word of thanks, or a compliment.

Monitor Behavior - by staying in-the-know about your child's daily routines and who they spend time with, you're taking an important step in preventing substance use. It helps to explain to your kids that knowing their daily activities and whereabouts isn't about control, but about ensuring their safety and staying involved.

Following the Rules of Monitoring

*Aim for open, honest conversation. Talking regularly is the best way to know what they're up to and when to be concerned.

*Get to know your teen's friends - online and off. Make your home a safe space for them to hang out.

*Become familiar with the apps, social media, and other technology your teen is using.

*Know how much money your child has and how that money is spent.

*Be adaptable and allow for increasing independence as teens show more responsibility & safe decision-making.

Free Confidential Information & Support Available

https://drugfree.org/get-support/

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #32: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates – Yamil Cordova & Abbi Dicks

 

40 Years-40 Stories| Story #32: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates - Yamil Cordova and Abbi Dicks

As we continue celebrating our 2025-2026 UthMpact Leadership Class XV graduates, we are honored to highlight two more exceptional young leaders who completed the program on April 1, 2026!

Today, we celebrate UthMpact Graduates:

🎓Yamil Cordova
Yami will be hitchhiking into the Himalyas to find a Tibetan monastery and be trained in their ways. He shared, "I'll come back eventually with something to pass on to my kids." 

🎓 Abbi Dicks
University of Alabama
Majoring in Nursing

The UthMpact Experience - These graduates traveled throughout Polk County on monthly Leadership Days to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. They learned crucial leadership skills while educating their peers about substance abuse prevention through projects like Project Prom, Project HOCO, and the UthMpact Facts social norms campaigns.

Congratulations, Yamil & Abbi! Your unique paths and dedication to leadership have made a lasting impression on our community. We can't wait to see all you'll accomplish! 💪

*UthMpact: https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk

*Contact: Samantha Barwig @ (863) 802-0777

*Support: https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

*Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact #ClassOf 2026 #GraduatingSeniors #FutureLeaders #ProudMoment #PolkCounty #YouthLeadership

“Tobacco Free” Nicotine Product Fallacy

 

Be vigilant because the substance use product market is always changing. The industry promotes tobacco products that are being sold with "tobacco-free" claims. The claims are used to describe either that the products are made with nicotine that is created in a lab (synthetic nicotine) - or that the products contains no tobacco leaf. A recent article on TruthInitiative.org shares the truth about the so-called tobacco-free products - ALL CONTAIN NICOTINE.

"Tobacco-Free" Claims Cause Confusion - young adults may incorrectly interpret the claim "tobacco-free" to believe that it means nicotine is not present in these products. Nicotine products marketed as "tobacco-free" could also create confusion about whether use violates tobacco-free policies in schools, workplaces, and other locations. ALL products containing nicotine should be considered tobacco products and be treated as such in schools and workplaces.

"Tobacco-Free" Claims May Increase Appeal - studies have found that when teens view advertising that claims to promote "tobacco-free" products, these ads tend to reduce perception of harm. In fact, it may actually increase intention to use the products compared to product sales without the claim. A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2022 reported that flavored non-tobacco oral nicotine products, such as gum, lozenges, and gummies, were the second most prevalent nicotine products used among adolescents after e-cigarettes.

"Tobacco-Free" Nicotine Fallacy - if claims about "tobacco-free" nicotine products sound too good to be true, they probably are. Nicotine in any form is an addictive chemical. 

Stay Safe and Stay Away! 

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #31: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates – Eliana Browning & Kendall Castano

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #31: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates - Elaina Browning & Kendall Castano

As we continue celebrating our 2025-2026 UthMpact Leadership Class XV graduates, we are honored to highlight two more exceptional young leaders who completed the program on April 1, 2026!

Today, we celebrate UthMpact Graduates:

🎓Eliana Browning
Florida Southern College 
Majoring in Art History and Museum Studies

🎓Kendall Castano
University of Florida
Majoring in Economics

The UthMpact Experience - These graduates traveled throughout Polk County on monthly Leadership Days to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. They learned critical leadership skills while educating their peers about substance abuse prevention through project such as Project Prom, Project HOCO, and UthMpact Facts social norms campaigns.

Congratulations, Elaina and Kendall! 🎓 Your dedication to leadership and prevention has made a lasting impact on our community and we can't wait to see all you'll accomplish! 

*UthMpact: https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk?

*Contact: Samantha Barwig @ (863) 802-0777

*Support Prevention: https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

*Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact #ClassOf2026 #GraduatingSeniors #FutureLeaders #ProudMoment #PolkCounty #YouthLeadership

Daily Marijuana Use May Worsen Pain Over Time

 

As the marijuana industry continues to expand its reach, more individuals may contemplate the use of marijuana as a medicine. Data shows that as many as 35% of primary care patients report medical use of marijuana - most commonly used for pain. This idea has historically been a controversial one due to the lack of extensive evidence and mixed opinions from medical care professionals.

A 2023 study performed by the Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavior Sciences at SUNY Upstate Medical University provided some insight into whether marijuana helps chronic pain by using a cold pressor test (CPT) to measure pain tolerance. CPT tests are performed by submerging a participant's forearm in a tub of ice water for as long as the patient can tolerate before needing to withdraw - or three minutes.

Results published in The American Journal on Addictions, revealed that study participants who used marijuana daily had significantly decreased pain tolerance when compared to study participants who didn't use marijuana (Zhang-James, Wyon, Grapsas & Johnson, 2023). 

Such results suggest that use of daily marijuana may actually worsen chronic pain over time by reducing pain tolerance. Additionally, daily marijuana users may also risk addiction. That's why it is important for primary care providers and patients to research all options and consider overall risks before recommending or using medical marijuana for pain management.

Know the effects, risks, and side effects of Marijuana Use and take a quick Marijuana IQ quiz at:

https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/marijuana/risks

P.A.U.S.E. – A Helpful Strategy to Calm Anxiety

 

Panic Attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear, that may be accompanied by a racing heart or dizziness, which can happen to anyone. They may be triggered by stress and they're becoming more prevalent in the general population. Studies suggest that nearly 1-in-10 adults may experience a panic attack at some point in their lifetime. Panic attacks can also begin earlier in life, including in youth between the ages of 15 and 25.

In 2024, the American Psychiatric Association's annual poll showed that 43% of adults said they feel more anxious than in previous years - noting that stress (53%) and sleep (40%) had the biggest impact on their mental health. Younger adults age 18-34 years old were more likely than adults to say that social connection had the biggest impact on their mental health.

When you find yourself worrying or feeling stressed, remember to practice calming breathing exercises. It helps to have a trusted "go to" strategy to focus on.

P.A.U.S.E. is a very helpful technique to use for calming when you notice yourself becoming anxious. Steps that focus on prompts such as PAUSE-ACTVITY-UNDERSTAND-SOOTHE-EXHALE encourage us to engage in positive actions to manage and calm anxiety instead of getting caught up in vicious cycles of worry.

Find out more at National Institute of Mental Health

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms 

Happy Mother’s Day to the Special Women in Our Lives

 

From moms to grandmas, stepmoms, foster moms, aunts...and all of the amazing women who we look to as mother figures - Happy Mother's Day! 💗

At InnerAct Alliance, we believe prevention begins at home. Strong parental guidance helps to model positive behavior, offer emotional support, and establish a foundation of safety and trust. This belief is backed by statistics that show children who feel supported and connected to a trusted adult are far more likely to make healthy decisions. 🌷

Mothers and Mother Figures help to nurture, guide, and shape the way youth view themselves. Through this love and support, Moms have the power to positively influence the choices their children make each and every day. 👪

On this Mother's Day Weekend, let's all take a moment to cherish, thank, and celebrate the super women who care for children - they make all the difference in the world in so many ways! 💕

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #30: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates – Madeline Aranda & Trace Braun

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #30 Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates - Madeline Aranda & Trace Braun

UthMpact hosted its graduation ceremony for high school student leaders who successfully completed the 2025-2026 UthMpact Leadership Class XV program on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Magnolia Building in Lakeland. 

This Leadership program is spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance & its coalition partners StandUP Polk and UthMpact, along with business and community partners, to assist teens in development crucial leadership skills. Nearly 550 students representing every high school in the county have been enriched by being a member of the UthMpact Leadership Program since its inception.

Today, we celebrate two outstanding graduates:

🎓 Madeline Aranda
University of Central Florida
Majoring in Advertising

🎓 Trace Braun
University of Miami
Majoring in Marketing

About UthMpact Leadership - UthMpact is a coalition of high school teen leaders who are committed to educating themselves and their peers about key substance abuse prevention messages. Participants have an opportunity to take part in a training retreat and travel throughout the community on monthly Leadership Days to meet with community and business leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. 

The group's most prominent projects are Project Prom & Prom HOCO, providing formal wear and accessories to high school students and educating about risky behaviors during prom, graduation, and homecoming, as well as the UthMpact Facts social norms program sharing the positives in Polk Youth culture - that most teens are choosing NOT to use substances.

Congratulations, Madeline and Trace! We are so proud of your accomplishments and can't wait to see the incredible things you will achieve in the future!

Follow UthMpact on Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk?  

Contact for Information: 
Samantha Barwig
(863) 802-0777

Support Youth Programs
https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact #ClassOf2026 #GraduatingSeniors #FutureLeaders #ProudMoment #PolkCounty #YouthLeadership

Orphines: New Class of Emerging Deadly Opioids

 

Most of us have heard about fentanyl, but now there are new synthetic opioids surfacing in street drugs across the U.S. that make fentanyl look weak. The New York Times reports that this fast-growing group, known as orphine analogues or simply "orphines," are already taking fentanyl's place in the illegal drug supply. 

Researchers say orphines can be 10x more powerful than fentanyl and what's worse is that they don't show up in standard toxicology screens or on fentanyl testing strips.

What Are Orphines? - this experimental opioid class of drugs was first developed in the 1960s. Scientists were looking for powerful pain-relieving and anesthesia drugs for medical use. When it became clear that this drug was very dangerous, it was taken off the market. Now, it has popped up again in illicit drug supplies in at least 14 states across the nation. Some of the more common orphines being identified include: cychlorphine, brorphine, spirochlorphine, and chlorphine.

Why Are Orphines Spreading Again? - it is speculated that orphines have emerged again because drug traffickers have been searching for new products to sell to avoid strict drug crackdowns. In July 2025, the Chinese government placed nitazine analogues, another group of powerful lab-made opioids, under tighter control. After that, nitazines showed up less often while orphines increased in supply. This constant change makes the drug supply even more dangerous and unpredictable.

What Should We Be Looking For? - the most common orphine version - cychlorphine - is turning up in fake pills and powders often mixed into other drugs without the users' knowledge. Mixing drugs, including alcohol, greatly increases the risk of overdose. Note: Cychlorphine may be 50-200 times stronger than heroin. Naloxone can still work, but multiple doses may be needed.

Why Are Orphines So Dangerous? - orphines are very strong. A small amount can stop breathing. Many people often don't know they are taking them because they appear in fake pills and mixed into other drugs. Because these drugs are new, testing is often behind what is already out there on the street in unknown strengths.

Steps To Take Right Now - stay informed because the drug supply and landscape can change fast. Talk early and often to your kids - focus on safety, not judgment. Support mental health and encourage making smart choices to avoid drug use. Remind kids that the substances out there are stronger, newer, and more unpredictable than ever before.

The Partnership to End Addiction is a solid resource for parents and individuals to stay connected. 

👉https://drugfree.org/article/orphines-new-opioids-stronger-than-fentanyl-what-parents-should-know/

👉Link to New York Times article: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/04/health/what-are-orphines.html

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #29: An Invitation to Lead and Invest in the Future

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #29: An Invitation to Lead and Invest in the Future

As InnerAct Alliance celebrates its 40th Anniversary, this milestone provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the organization's impact and to invite others to be part of its future.

A Message from Ryan Rogers, IAA Board President: I have had the privilege of serving InnerAct Alliance in several leadership roles over the years, including Treasurer, Co-President, and currently as President. Each role has reinforced my belief in both the mission and the people who bring it to life every day. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union has a long-standing history of supporting InnerAct Alliance, and I am proud to be part of that legacy. As SVPII/Regional Marketing Manager at MIDFLORIDA, we greatly value the work that InnerAct Alliance does in the community and schools. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in students and equipping them with the skills, confidence, and decision-making tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom.

The InnerAct Alliance Difference - one of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement has been engaging directly with students. From hosting Business Day visits and observing students run the Project Prom Store, to sharing meals during the annual Business Etiquette Dinner, I have seen firsthand how InnerAct Alliance prepares students for real-world environments. These experiences demonstrate the profound impact that consistent mentorship, leadership development, and hands-on learning can have on young people.

The strength of InnerAct Alliance is a direct result of the dedicated teachers, staff, board members, and community leaders who have given their time and talents over the past 40 years.

Join Us in Shaping the Future - as we look ahead to the next 40 years, InnerAct Alliance continues to need engaged leaders and committed supporters. If you are an individual, business owner, or business partner looking for a board opportunity that is active, meaning, and impactful, I encourage you to consider InnerAct Alliance.

This is not a passive board role - it is a chance to truly make a difference by donating your time, sharing your talent, and investing your treasure in an organization that changes lives.

Interested in Getting Involved?

If you want to learn more about board service, corporate partnerships, or donor involvement, please reach out to Ryan Rogers, Board President, or Angie Ellison, Executive Director, at (863) 802-0777. We would welcome the opportunity to share more about InnerAct Alliance and how you can be part of shaping its future!

You Can Also Help by Donating!

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

Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #BoardLeadership #CommunityInvolvement #MIDFLORIA #MakeADifference #TimeTalentTreasure #PolkCounty #JoinOurBoard #LeadershipOpportunity

Thank You for Attending The Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit!

 

Special thanks to community members who attended InnerAct Alliance and StandUP Polk's Annual Own the Upside Prevention Summit this week on Monday, May 4 at the W.H. Stuart Center in Bartow to learn more about current substance use trends and stay informed on important issues facing our community from our prominent guest speakers and presenters.

We appreciate your continued support!

New Video: Be Aware of Teen Substance Use Trends in 2026

 

Even with the good news that fewer teens are using substances overall, the risks and concerns continue to mount. Today's Substance Landscape is constantly changing with new vaping products, high-potency marijuana, kratom, and psychedelic drugs being introduced to the market each day. Staying informed is one of the most powerful things we can do! 💪

In an effort to help parents and caregivers know what to look for and how to talk to their teens about the current substance use and behavior trends, it's important to share videos like this one from the Partnership to End Addiction.

In about 13 minutes' time, the video provides an informative overview of some new, accessible products out there being marketed to youth as 'wellness enhancers' - available right over the counter in gas station and convenience stores. You will learn about what's out there now luring young people - drugs that range from alcohol to vaping and nicotine patches, THC to opioids...along with new addiction risks that come from participating in online gaming and sports betting.

Protect yourself and those you love by staying informed - it's absolutely worth 13 minutes of your time to stop & watch! ⏰  

👉 Visit The Partnership to End Addiction for More Resources and Support

https://drugfree.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7x8jZNklzE

 

How to Begin Talking with Young Children 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 that 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.

Research continues to prove that kids who have conversations with their parents about the dangers of alcohol and drug use are 50% less likely to use alcohol and drugs than those who don't. That's reason enough to keep the lines of communication flowing with your kids from an early age on.

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

Sample Q & A:

Q: Isn't it better for parents to teach children how to drink 'responsibly' by allowing them to drink at home under supervision?

A: Research shows that drinking at home with parental approval is associated with higher-risk drinking, heavy alcohol use, and alcohol problems later in life. Allowing kids to drink in the home sends mixed messages about the safety of underage alcohol use.

Q: Is it hypocritical of me to tell my kids not to drink when they know that I drank at their age?

A: As a parent, you want to do all you can to protect your child. Many of us didn't wear sunscreen growing up, we now know that it significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer. Same is true of alcohol - now we know more than ever about protecting our kids from the effects of alcohol. 

Learn more by visiting The Partnership to End Addiction:

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