Substance Abuse Trend Alert – Delta-8 THC

 

The Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) has issued a Substance Abuse Trend Alert for Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products that are currently being sold online as well as in gas stations and convenience stores.⚠

Delta-8 THC is a substance that has psychoactive and intoxicating effects. Even though the products have not been approved by the FDA for safe use, they continue to be marketed in ways that appeal to children and put public health at risk. Serious symptoms may include seizures, comas, and sedation. 

The rise in Delta-8 THC exposures heightens the importance of safe storage and packaging and keeping these harmful products out of sight and out of the reach of children. 

  https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.fadaa.org/resource/resmgr/files/resource_center/reports/TrendAlert2_Delta8.pdf

Substance Abuse Trend Alert for Delta-8 THC 

Safe Social Media & Online Platform Use

 

November is Family Caregivers Month to recognize caregivers nationally, raise awareness around caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for our nation's caregivers. We salute all those who nurture, guide, and support our children.🫡Caregivers need to stay informed so they can talk to kids about substance abuse prevention, but it's equally important to communicate safety rules for the digital world we live in.

Digital technology is a constant in the lives of today's youth.📱💻Most young people use social media and other online platforms daily to communicate, learn about topics, and express themselves. In many cases, digital media can be beneficial and allow youth to build community and connect with others. Unfortunately, we know that kids can also be negatively impacted by online issues that can lead to harassment, cyberbullying, child abuse, and exposure to content that increases mental health issues. Harms like these threaten the safety and well-bring of your young people. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers helpful resources for families to stay informed and share best practices with their children to help them navigate social media and online platforms safely. Check out the educational resources and info on the link below for safe internet use:

https://www.samhsa.gov/kids-online-health-safety-task-force/kohs-report-safe-internet-use?

Show Appreciation for Our Veterans on November 11

 

Today is Veterans Day – a day set aside to honor all who have served honorably in the United States military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who have died – have sacrificed and done their duty.💙💖

Each year on November 11, Americans come together to celebrate Veterans Day with parades and other special gatherings to publicly thank veterans who have served in war or peace. Today there are more than 23 million veterans across the U.S. We thank and appreciate all our Veterans for their courage, service, and bravery.

Social Norms Share the Positives in Youth Culture

 

Social norms campaigns in our schools help students rethink perceptions about use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Ms. Cindy and Ms. Amy from our IAA team regularly visit with students at Denison Middle School in Winter Haven to spread awareness and share the positives in youth culture that show most Polk County students in grades 6-12 ARE NOT using drugs - statistics show that 84% do not drink Alcohol, 87% do not use Marijuana, 96% do not use traditional Tobacco, and 88% do not Vape or use E-cigarettes. (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey - FYSAS).

Knowing the Facts can help kids avoid succumbing to peer pressure when they learn that teens just like them are making healthy choices by choosing NOT to smoke, drink, or use substances.🚭

Please support local prevention initiatives by inviting a representative from IAA to share a free educational program at your school - give us a call at 863-802-0777. 

More Facts to Know About Teen Vaping

 

Parents must stay informed and know what to look and listen for to keep kids safe and healthy. It helps to know some basic facts and terminology surrounding vaping and e-cigarette activity so you are able to recognize what kids are talking about, what they are involved in, and better monitor them in real-life and on social media.

Here are some terms to know:

ADV - "all-day vape" refers to a vape juice the user prefers to enjoy most often

Cloud Chasings - teens often look to produce large clouds of vapor when vaping

Vape fiend - someone who regularly seeks nicotine

Greening-Greening out-Green out - someone who has taken a large hit of THC and is experiencing dizziness, anxiety, nausea, or vomiting

Squonk or Squonker - using a vape mod that contains a bottle called a squonk that is squeezed to deliver the e-liquid

Here's what to look for:

Vapes hidden in plain sight as common household items such as: USB drives, pens, highlighters, phone cases, smart watches, asthma inhalers, lipstick tubes, clothing like sweatshirts or jackets with a vape built into hood drawstrings, backpacks with a vape that comes out of the shoulder strap.

Peer pressure can make it hard for a teen to feel comfortable saying no. But, as a parent, you can help to prevent teen vaping by being proactive. 

We know teens are going to experiment, but by talking about the dangers of vaping and being a good role model to your kids, you can play a key role in helping them choose to avoid or delay trying nicotine products. Help them to build their knowledge about vaping risks. Encourage them to make decisions for themselves and not go along with the crowd. Empower them with confidence so that they will be ready to face challenges and make their own informed choices.

Healthy Brain Habits

 

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

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

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

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

Election Day 2024 – Vote Today: Your Vote is Your Voice

 

Voting in local, state, and national elections is one of the most important duties of being an American citizen. It is your right, privilege, and civic responsibility. Your vote ensures that your voice is heard on important issues that affect the future of our state and of our nation. Every time you exercise that right, our democracy grows stronger.💪

Another fun perk comes with the "I Voted" sticker that you received when your vote was recorded - many businesses and retailers offer FREE items and discounts! Get a free Krispy Kreme donut🍩on November 5. Uber and Lyft offer rides to polling places for half-off.🚗 Uber Eats gives 25% off orders of $25 or more on election night.

Check out a list of more Election Day discounts and freebies from restaurants and other businesses in the Tampa Bay area on News Channel 8 at WFLA.com:

https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/election-day-discounts-and-freebies-in-the-tampa-bay-area/