Today is a Great Day to Start a Conversation About Drugs & Health

 

Summer break offers some well-deserved down time but as most parents and caregivers know, the job of parenting never really takes a day off because our kids' health and safety is always top priority.

With that in mind, InnerAct Alliance and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) encourage parents to take opportunities over the summer to have important conversations with teens about their health using simple facts and evidence-based information. NIDA has compiled a list of answers to teens' 10 most frequently asked questions about drugs to use as conversation starters and inspire communication with your children. 

Kids can be curious about why some people use drugs - best way to answer is to explain we all make choices that affect our health. Some people turn to drugs because they think substances may help them deal with challenges, escape from reality, relieve pain, or fit in with others. Even when users want to quit, they may still struggle to stop using alcohol and other drugs. This is because repeated use causes changes in the brain that can make it hard to stop.

Addictive drugs cause the brain to release dopamine, a chemical released after pleasure and satisfying activities. Repeated drug use flood the brain with dopamine and can change how the brain responds - resulting in the need for more drugs to produce the same pleasurable effect. Without more drugs, people may experience withdrawal symptoms causing stress, anxiety, depression, or physical effects like sweating, vomiting, and pain. This dangerous cycle of drug use and withdrawal can disrupt normal brain function to the point where people aren't able to experience pleasure in their lives and more drugs are needed.

Remind teens that the best way to avoid substance use disorder is not to start. Share good news that most Polk County teens are making the right choices by choosing not to drink, smoke, or use substances - 84% of Polk Teens DO NOT use Alcohol - 87% DO NOT use Marijuana - 96% DO NOT use Traditional Tobacco – 88% DO NOT Vape or use E-Cigarettes. Knowing the truth can help kids avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident in making more informed personal decisions after knowing and considering all the facts. 

For more answers to questions teens have about substance use, visit:
 https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/education/conversation-starters/10-questions-teens-ask-about-drugs-and-health

Naloxone Found to Reverse & Reduce Drug Overdoses

 

The opioid crisis is far from over but there is some encouraging news in Florida - in April 2024, the nonprofit Project Opioid announced that the number of overdoses has fallen. The wide availability of naloxone, known by brand name Narcan, is being credited as the reason why. Naloxone, available as a nasal spray or an injector, is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose and save lives.

Project Opioid has been advocating across our state for the past six years asking officials to study the overdose crisis and take action to solve it. An analysis of Central Florida’s trends and recommendations for sustaining effective interventions revealed that 2022 was the first year Florida saw a decrease in opioid deaths of around 2%. (https://projectopioid.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/The-Overdose-Crisis-in-Central-Florida-Sept2023.pdf)

A dedicated day of awareness is taking place today in the Orange County area with Mayor Jerry Demings proclaiming June 6 as National Naloxone Day. At a recent media conference, Lisa Nason, interim executive director of Project Opioid, said, “Having access to naloxone is life-saving. Law enforcement and EMS fire rescue services cannot be everywhere so Project Opioid is distributing naloxone to put this life-saving medication in the hands of everyone.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), naloxone is available in all 50 states and over the counter without a prescription. Anyone can carry naloxone, give it to someone experiencing an overdose, and potentially save a life. Most states have laws to protect a person who is overdosing or the person who called for help from criminal penalties.

Having naloxone readily available does not encourage risky drug use but it does mean that someone who is experiencing an overdose has a better chance of surviving and eventually getting the help they need. 

With overdose deaths in the U.S. at historically high levels, concerted efforts must continue to further alleviate the impact of the opioid crisis. Educating ourselves and those we love about the danger of opioids and learning how to help in the event of drug overdose can save lives.

:30 sec YouTube video: How to Use Naloxone Nasal Spray
 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/odlFtGNjmMQ

Signs & steps to take in the event of an overdose
https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/response/index.html
https://drugfree.org/naloxone-overdose-reversal-drug/

9 Sentenced in Interstate Drug Trafficking Operation Spanning CA, AZ, Central FL

 

The U.S. Attorney's Office Middle District of Florida announced yesterday that 9 suspects have been sentenced for their roles in a multi-kilogram cocaine and methamphetamine distribution operation. The multi-agency investigation has taken place over the past two years and spanned from Central Florida to Arizona and California. Federal agents and task force officers identified members of the conspiracy and uncovered methods used by the drug trafficking operation (DTO) to ship methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico across the U.S. to Central Florida using commercial trucks to transport the drugs from California and Arizona to Florida. 

Search warrants obtained in 2022 and 2023 for locations associated with the suspects in this DTO resulted in seizures of over 44.54 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2.72 kilograms of cocaine, and more than 1,000 grams of fentanyl pills, in addition to firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and cash. Authorities estimate that more than 300 kilograms of drugs were shipped to Central Florida through these drug traffickers since 2021.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation that included the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Daytona Beach Resident Agency, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, the Daytona Beach Police Department, and the DeLand Police Department. 

We are grateful to the many law enforcement agencies in our area for working diligently in collaboration with local, state, and national officials to remove these dangerous drugs from the streets in our communities. To read more: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/nine-sentenced-interstate-drug-trafficking-conspiracy-spanning-california-arizona-and 

Vapes & E-Cigarettes: A Gateway to Smoking for Teens?

 

  

Vaping and E-cigarettes are sometimes promoted as ways to help cigarette smokers quit the habit, but can the reverse also be true - does vaping lead to regular cigarette smoking later on? 

According to Johns Hopkins cardiologist, Michael J. Blaha, M.D., M.P.H., avoiding cigarettes and their electronic alternatives is always the healthiest choice. "Kids have such a poor understanding of vaping products. Often, they don't know there's nicotine in them, what the dose is, or what the impact of flavorings might be. Because using these products seems more socially acceptable than smoking, kids may think e-cigarettes are perfectly safe."

In reality, e-cigarettes and vape "juices" contain nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco. As of 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified e-cigarettes and nicotine-laced vape juice as tobacco products. Nicotine in any form is highly addictive. Vaping using nicotine-laced products can become a persistent and expensive habit - and kids might not stop there. 

In this short YouTube video produced by Johns Hopkins Medicine, Dr. Blaha shared insights on the potential dangers of vaping, "The #1 concern about vaping is the so-called gateway effect. Our literature suggests that 2 million young adults use e-cigarettes as their first nicotine-based product. It's not that they're trying to quit smoking - they've never smoked before." Blaha cited further evidence suggesting young people who vape are more likely to go on to use illicit drugs and tobacco products, such as cigarettes. "We might be causing the next smoking epidemic through young people getting addicted to electronic cigarettes early in life."

Learn More About Vaping

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping

Heat & Mental Health and Wellbeing

 

Mental health and wellbeing issues were brought to light during Mental Health Awareness Month to help create awareness and reduce stigma by sharing that mental illness is common and treatable. Stigma holds individuals back from seeking the care to greatly improve their lives and society as a whole. We all have the ability to help others learn, share resources, and support community behavioral health. Communication and conversations surrounding mental health and wellbeing must continue year-round.

Many people may not realize that summer heat can play a role in mental health. Hot temperatures and humidity can adversely affect the most vulnerable members of the populations in the extremes of ages - babies and young children as well as older adults age 65 & older are particularly at risk since they may be unable or less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.

Heat can affect older people due to medications they may be taking and how their bodies are able to adapt to and regulate heat. High temperatures can increase potential side effects of certain medicines and toxicity levels in the body. Physical implications with heat can also present harmful issues with heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Staying properly hydrated is extremely important, as is good nutrition and daily gentle exercise and movement.

The American Psychiatric Association lists mental implications of suffering from extreme heat as experiencing trouble sleeping, depression, irritability, or increased incidents of aggression, suicide, and substance abuse. Other signs to look for when it comes to someone being adversely affected by the heat, shared by the National Institutes of Health, may include: sadness, anxiousness, feelings of hopelessness, or helplessness. Older Adults may not be themselves - showing physical symptoms like decreased energy or fatigue or loss of interest in doing everyday things.

Mental health and wellbeing affects all of us so it's important to have understanding, show empathy, watch out for each other, and reach out for help when it is needed. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers confidential online help and services. Locally, the Peace River Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, offers a broad range of mental health, victim services, and substance use disorder services throughout Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties for those in need - to learn more, visit their website at    https://www.peacerivercenter.org/

June is Pride Month Supporting Equal Rights & Inclusion

 

Addiction and alcoholism affect individuals across every age, range, sexual identity, and socio-economic status. An estimated 88,000 deaths each year are related to alcohol abuse and the LBGTQI+ community is especially vulnerable. 

Studies show that acceptance issues can cause young members of the LGBTQI+ community to turn to substances to help lessen emotional stress and fear of rejection. Other stressors, such as fear of harassment, discrimination, and violence further increase risk for mental and behavioral health issues. Support to be able to truly embrace one's identity can help improve self-esteem, decrease anxiety, and lower instances of depression. 

June is Pride Month to serve as a reminder of the importance of acceptance, diversity, and love in support of equal rights for those who identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community. During Pride Month, let's encourage greater understanding and support working towards a world where love, acceptance, and equal rights are celebrated by all. 

Learn more & find helpful resources

Mental Health America
https://mhanational.org/lgbtq/pride

National Council for Mental Wellbeing
https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/pride-month/

Fun Ideas to Keep Kids & Families Engaged This Summer

 

Happy June and with school out, it's time to enjoy summer break. Aren't we fortunate to have so many wonderful summer events, family activities, and camps for kids coming up in and around the Lakeland area?

Click the links below to find suggestions to keep kids unplugged from social media and gaming devices and engaged in organized camps and fun activities to occupy their time and cultivate their interests. There's also a list of local family-oriented events to enjoy together strengthening parent-child and sibling bonds. 

Summer-Themed Events – check out summer-themed family events in and around Lakeland highlighting over 25 events scheduled from May-August featuring festivals, markets, concerts, art, holiday celebrations, fitness activities, and more fun - compiled by our friends at LAL Today! 

Summer Camps – is your child into sports, space, art, nature, dance, STEM or anything in between? Check out over 100 unique options in the Summer Camp Guide for Lakeland & Polk County. Explore by theme – sports, academic, animals, aviation, fishing, cooking, dance, horseback riding, martial arts, music, STEM, video games, watersports and more – or search by area: Lakeland, Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Mulberry, Plant City, Polk City, Winter Haven – special thanks to April at Lakeland Mom!

Summer Events In & Around the Lakeland Area

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

 

Summer Camps for Kids Guide for Lakeland + Polk County

https://lakelandmom.com/summer-camp-directory/