Concerned About a Friend – YOU Can Make a Difference

 

InnerAct Alliance joins with our prevention partners at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to share a reminder that it's never too late to make a difference in the lives of our family members and friends. If you've noticed someone in your life showing signs of a mental or substance use disorder, the first thing you should do is talk to them. It may not be an easy conversation to have, but it's important to reach out - it could be exactly the encouragement they need to seek help.

Here are some easy conversation starter suggestions from SAMHSA to offer support:

You can make a big difference simply by letting your friend or family member know you're there for them. Remind them that asking for help is a normal part of life. Find support by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/children-and-families/young-adults

Inspiration for a Happy, Healthy Life

 

It's hard to imagine better inspiration for a happy, healthy life than this sentiment: Decide what kind of life you really want...Then say no to everything that isn't that. And this can apply to anyone at any time in their life.

It really does begin with YOU. In order to change or transform anything in life, you have to decide what it is you want, what direction you wish to head in, or where you'd like to end up. Often, we don't because we lose track or let something sway us off-track.

Be guided by your own intuitive knowing. You know what is best for you, what feels good. Stay connected with your goals and don't let anything - especially alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs - get in the way of living your best life and achieving your dreams!

Drug Use and Its Effects on The Brain

 

Studies show that 1-in-7 Americans may experience a substance use disorder. Some may use drugs to help cope with stress, trauma, or help with mental health issues. Others may develop use disorder after misusing opioid medication prescribed by doctors. Either way, taking drugs over time increases the chances of become addicted.

When people take drugs, chemicals flood the reward system in the brain - this can cause the user to repeat behaviors that may feel good in the moment but are unhealthy and put them at greater risk of harm. 

Over time, the brain adapts to continued drug use by developing a tolerance. When that happens, it requires more and more of a drug to feel the same result. Not only does this lessen the brain's ability to resist temptation, but it can also affect the amount of pleasure a person receives from normal activities like enjoying food or being in the company of others.

Education and increased awareness of the harm of using substances, along with losing support from parents, caregivers, and friends, can help prevent substance use disorders. Continue to stay informed so that you can make better, healthier decisions!

New Study Finds U.S. Moms Facing Mental & Physical Health Struggles

 

A new study looked into the mental health of American moms and the results are concerning - a growing number of mothers in the U.S. seem to be struggling with their mental and physical health.👪

Researchers at the National Survey of Children's Health talked to nearly 200,000 mothers between 2016-2023 and findings showed a sharp drop in maternal mental health. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, shared that the percentage of mothers who report "excellent" mental health dropped 12 points between 2016 and 2023, from 38% to 26%. Mothers reporting "excellent" physical health dropped 4 points from 28% to 24%. ↓

At the same time, those who answered that their health was "good" rose from 18.8% to 26.1%. Replies of "fair/poor" health rose 3% from 5.5% to 8.5%.

Lead study researcher, Jamie Daw, an assistant professor of health policy and management at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, had this to say in a news release, "Our results highlight the rising tide of worsening mental health among parenting women as a key target for efforts to improve maternal and child health in the U.S."

Researchers suggested that limited access to care, social isolation, and rising substance use disorders may be a contributor to this decline. It is also possible that the Covid pandemic may have played a role in this decline, since there was a lot more isolation in 2022, 2023, and 2024. 😷

Stay Safe on the Roads: 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers

 

Transportation leaders are urging families to take extra caution on our nation's roads over the coming months. The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 deadliest on our roadways since the number of daily crashes involving teen drivers typically rises. Traffic safety managers with AAA attribute the deaths to students being out of school, driving more often over the summer, and taking fewer drives with a focused destination. There's also the reality that more teens tend to be in the car together and there is more nighttime driving.

Auto crashes are the leading cause of death of young people between the ages of 16-19. According to the AAA, nearly 6,700 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 2013-2022. Last year in Florida, teens were involved in 20,000 crashes in the Sunshine State over these 100 days. For every mile driven, new teen drivers are 3 times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults.

Distracted driving plays a role in nearly 6 of 10 crashes. Having other teen passengers in the car is the largest risk factor, followed by electronics like cell phones as the second biggest distraction. 

Research shows that having other teens in the car can contribute to peer pressure and dangerous driving habits like speeding and aggressive driving. Speeding is also a factor in nearly 30% of deadly crashes involving teens - so is not wearing a seatbelt. Teen drivers may also revert to bad habits like not signaling, not coming to complete stops, not checking blind spots, and not keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.

Law enforcement leaders remind parents of teen drivers to set guidelines before handing over the car keys. Talk about safe driving and how it can affect their life as well as the lives of others. Parent should lead by example, teach defensive driving skills, and set rules for when teens can drive and who they can go with. Additional discussion must involve driving alcohol- and drug-free and limiting the number of passengers allowed in the car.

AAA offers an online course called
How to Drive that can help prepare teens

with rules & essential elements of safe driving

https://www.aaadriverprogram.com/

Memorial Day: Remember & Honor

 

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

 a celebration of courage, honor, and unity!

TRUTH: Most Youth Are Saying YES to Healthy Choices

 

While substance use among youth remains a significant concern, it is also important to celebrate the "upside" that a majority of adolescents are making smart choices by deciding not to use drugs.

InnerAct Alliance is happy to share Real Truths from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which tell us that many of today's young adults are saying YES to healthy choices. Statistics from the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that 46% of young adults age 18-25 have never used illicit drugs, including marijuana.

Positive Choices Matter! Today and every day, we salute youth who enjoy healthy ways to have fun, connect, and thrive without the influence of illicit drugs of any kind. Learn more about the Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the U.S. and review results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by clicking this link from SAMHSA.

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt47095/National%20Report/National%20Report/2023-nsduh-annual-national.pdf?