You probably started experiencing peer pressure way before you had the ability to understand what it meant. Even preschool kids can influence each other. As you got older, your parents probably said things like, “If all your friends jump off a bridge, are you going to do that too?”  The thing is, our brains are hardwired to want to impress the people around us. A study conducted by the University of Southern California actually showed that people are more likely to take chances in front of friends. Scary, right?  So how do you beat that impulse and think for yourself?

Take a breather
Feeling influenced by your friends in a spur of the moment way? Literally remove yourself from the situation, at least long enough to think. Do you really want to ride someone else’s momentum, possibly into a dangerous situation or illegal activity?  When you’re using your rational brain, the answer is probably no. Give yourself space to make the right choice.

Surround yourself with smart people
If your peers aren’t pressuring you to do stupid things, you don’t have to worry as much about peer pressure. Choose your friends and your social activities wisely. Don’t hang out with people who put you down or try to push you into situations that make you uncomfortable. Don’t go to gatherings where kids are doing things that aren’t in your comfort zone. That way, you’ll feel way less pressured to do things you don’t want to do just to fit in.

Talk it out
Girlshealth.gov recommends coming up with an excuse if you don't know what else to say. Maybe you have somewhere to be or a big project to complete so you don’t fail a class. Alternately, if you feel comfortable, just be honest. You may be pleasantly surprised to find out that you’re not the only one who doesn’t want to cave in to peer pressure. After all, all of us want to be independent, unique and brave. If the people around you act like they only accept you if you do what they say and act how they act, it’s time to put on some mental armor and fight your way into a better situation. You’ll feel better knowing you made your own choices.

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What's in a Smoke
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At the beginning of the month, we asked our fans to tell us how they’d say “NO” if they were offered drugs. Up for grabs were a pair of tickets to MOSI to explore the Target America Exhibit.

The Target America exhibit is an interactive exhibit that illustrates the costs and the consequences of illegal drugs, from creation and distribution to addiction and treatment.

We randomly chose one person to win two tickets to MOSI. The winning response, posted by Oldcodeknight2006 was:

“Of all the tough choices man. Get high for a few hours and don’t be able to sit for a week when my folks find out. Or don’t get high and make my family proud of me. Geez that’s a tough one!”

Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who participated!

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is a coalition of members of the community who strive to address alcohol and drug use in Pinellas County. Visit us online today to see how you can get involved in this cause that is so important to our community.

Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry is featuring a new exhibit called Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause, and LiveFree! will give one random winner tickets to MOSI to explore this exhibit.

The interactive Target America exhibit allows students to learn about the costs and devastating consequences of illegal drugs, from drug production to the impact on communities and the environment as well as the physiological impact drugs have on an individual. Target America also explores today’s practices for treatment and prevention of substance abuse.

What else is cool about Target America? It strikes home with the Florida story exhibit about our own community’s history, enforcement and prevention in the fight against illegal drugs. Students can see and learn about:

• Florida’s history timeline
• Florida gateway
• Pill mills and grow houses
• A real car seized in a drug bust and the technology used by law enforcement to locate and catch drug traffickers
• The appearances of certain drugs, information on them and their street names

So, how do you win, you say?
It’s a caption contest. Here are the rules: 

1. Take a look at the photo below:

 If you’re at a party or social situation, you may be pressured to try drugs or alcohol. You can use different refusal tactics to say no. If you were at a party and your friend said, “Hey, take a hit, it won’t hurt,” how would you respond?

2. Leave a comment on this blog telling us which refusal method you would use, and how you would say “No!” if a friend offered you drugs. (When commenting, please login using your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner)

3. We will randomly select one winner to receive two tickets to visit MOSI’s Target America exhibit! We will announce and email the winner on November 30!

Between being the parent of a busy teenager and working, you’re probably pretty busy yourself. You might want to eat healthier, but find that you don’t have the time to eat breakfast, pack a healthy lunch or make a nutritious dinner. Here are some ways you can keep up with your busy lifestyle and still make sound nutrition decisions.

Breakfast First, in More Ways Than One!

Breakfast is not only your first meal of the day, but it’s the most important. The nutrients you miss when you skip breakfast can’t be made up throughout the rest of the day. Foods with complex carbs, protein and healthy fat are the best for keeping full and energized all day. Here are great options for busy parents:

· Fruits that you can grab and go: apples, bananas, oranges, raisins

· Low-fat dairy products: yogurt, yogurt smoothies, string cheese, cottage cheese

· Mini whole grain bagels or breads spread with peanut butter or light yogurt spread

· Enriched whole grain cold cereals or hot cereals you can make in the cup (at work)

· Egg sandwich on whole wheat English muffin or mini whole wheat bagel

Have It on Hand

The CDC recommends stocking your pantry with healthy foods that you can mix and match for lunches and dinners, so you have plenty of options to choose from. For healthy lunches and dinners you can make in a jiffy, keep the following items on hand:

· Canned tuna or salmon

· Fresh fruits or canned fruits in natural juices

· Frozen fresh fruits for smoothies

· Whole grain breads/pita/muffins

· Frozen and canned veggies

· Canned beans

· Peanut butter

· Plain low-fat yogurt

· Frozen boneless, skinless chicken breast

· Olive oil

· Ground turkey breast and lean ground beef

· Salad mix and veggies/other topping for salads

Healthy Snacks

While it may be so easy to go down to that vending machine at the office, it’s not your best option. Instead of hitting up the vending machine, keep plenty of healthy snacks at your desk. Here are some snacks that you can keep at the desk and feel good about eating:

· Granola bars

· Trail mix

· Dried fruits

· Mixed nuts

· Low-fat or whole grain snack crackers

· Dry cereals

Choosing healthy foods to stock the pantry with will give you plenty of good options to choose from for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eating healthy will also set a good example for your kids and teens to follow. The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition also strives to set good examples for youth in society, by promoting awareness of substance abuse prevention here in Pinellas County. To find out how you can get involved, visit us online today.

Related Posts:

Five Tough Questions You Should Ask Your Highschooler

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We’ve got good news and we’ve got bad news. The good news is that fewer teens are doing illegal drugs. The bad news is that more teens are abusing prescription drugs. From 2002 to 2008, illegal drug use declined from 11.6% to 9.3% among teens. However, greater than 60% of teens said that drugs were available and sold at their school. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stated that there has been more than a 400% increase in abuse of prescription painkillers. This increase in prescription drug abuse has increased the number of related deaths, as 7 Floridians die every day from them.

In addition to prescription drugs, an unlikely drug that teens have been using is synthetic stimulants marketed as bath salts. They’re also called Aurora, Stardust, Cloud Nine, Vanilla Sky, Bliss, or Hurricane Charlie, just to name a few. They are legal in some states, but have been banned in Florida since February 2011. Bath salts, which are usually ingested by sniffing or snorting, are similar to amphetamines or cocaine. Over 3,470 calls have been made to poison control centers nationwide this year. Theses substances can cause paranoia, seizures, rapid heart rate, chest pains and vomiting.

Another teen drug trend that’s on the rise is Spice. It’s known as legal marijuana, but its effects can be 10 times stronger than marijuana as it’s made from synthetic cannabinoids. The biggest concern with Spice is that it doesn’t show up on drug tests. It has recently been banned by the federal synthetic ban on marijuana (K2 incense/bath salts). In 2010, over 1,500 calls were made to poison control centers in just the state of Florida. Spice can cause bad trips, paranoia, illness and lung damage.

While marijuana abuse had declined for the past decade, it is again on the rise. Unfortunately, so is Ecstasy. However, parents can help prevent drug abuse in teens! Parents who talk to their teens about alcohol and drugs and their associated risks are up to 50% less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than teens whose parents do not. By being involved with their teens on a daily basis, parents can influence their decisions and help them to make the right choices.

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County is dedicated to helping teens make good choices. Visit us online to find out how you can help the teens in your life say “no” to drugs.

Related Posts:
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Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Their Street Names
Street Drugs 101

Homecoming should be a time of fun and celebration—an exciting chance for kids to embrace school spirit and friendship. For most kids, the biggest worry on homecoming night will involve finding the right outfit to wear. However, about 5,000 kids die every year from underage drinking. With this statistic in mind, take time to discuss drug and alcohol abuse with your kids—before the party starts.

Work with the School
Contact your child’s school to find out how on-campus events are chaperoned, and to learn what measures the school is taking to educate kids on the risks of drugs and alcohol. When you know what your student is hearing and expecting, you’ll be able to cut to the chase when you start your own conversation about Homecoming festivities.

Lay Down Ground Rules
It may not be as simple as telling your child not to drink or not to get in the car with another kid who has been drinking. Schedule check-in times, make sure your child knows where she is supposed to be and when, and make it clear that if your child ends up in a dangerous situation, she’s free to call you for a ride or for help. Kids may be more likely to hide dangerous activities if they fear your response. Don’t leave room for excuses—make sure your student charges his cell phone before the Homecoming events.

Discuss Risks
When discussing the risks of drug and alcohol use with your child, get specific. Share local stories of car accidents and talk about alcohol’s role in consequences like violence and date rape. Instead of simply saying that drugs and alcohol are bad, talk about the loss of control, impairment in judgment and potential health risks. Give your child the chance to ask questions, and if you don’t know the answers, work together to do the research and get the answers your child needs.

Offer Safe Alternatives
Give kids a chance to party in a drug- and alcohol-free environment. Help your child throw a party, or work with other parents to arrange a safe gathering. Supervise the event without being too hands-on—kids still want to play music and have a good time without feeling stifled by parents. Don’t allow underage drinking at supervised events.

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County is devoted to making our community safe, healthy and drug-free. Visit us online to find out how you can help make these goals a reality.

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You go to a party. You have a few cocktails. You’re ready to leave. Are you really ready to drive? Driving under the influence is dangerous for you, as well as other people on the road, and it’s illegal. It may not seem like a big deal at the time, but that’s because the drinks you’ve had are impairing your judgment.

How much is too much?
The legal limit for drivers under age 21 is .02 blood alcohol level. This means that even one drink is too much. For drivers of legal drinking age the limit is .08. For most people, your body can process one drink per hour. If you measure out your drinks that way, wait an hour after your last drink to drive. Females or other smaller people may need to drink even less to be under the legal limit.

What can happen while drunk driving?

· Your judgment is impaired so you may make poor decisions about stopping time, following distance, or even just taking the right route.
· You may be in a car crash (30% of U.S. drivers killed in crashes are under the influence).
· You may damage property or your own car.
· You may injure or kill a pedestrian or other drivers and passengers on the road.
· You may injure or kill yourself.
· You may injure or kill the passengers in your car (possibly your own children).

What are the possible consequences of getting caught the first time?

· Loss of your license for 180 days or more
· Up to $500 fine
· 50 hours of community service
· 12-hour drunk driver education class
· Probation for one year
· Jail for up to 6 months (9 months if there is a minor present in the car)
· Increase in car insurance premiums
· Lawyer fees that must be paid

If you injure someone or damage property, you will be liable for costs.

If you kill someone, you will have to live with the intense guilt for the rest of your life.

If you get caught driving drunk a second time, you will face even steeper consequences.

How can driving drunk be avoided?
If you’re not sure how to play it safe, here are some ideas.

· Take a taxi or public transportation to an event that will involve drinking, or at least take it home.
· Arrange a car pool with a designated driver who will not drink; be sure to thank your driver.
· If you find yourself unexpectedly intoxicated at a friend’s home, spend the night even if it means a lumpy sofa.
· Call a friend or family member. This person may be upset with you that night, but you’ll both be glad to be alive and safe in the morning.
· Use a local designated driving service; check online to find one in your area.
· Don’t drink alcohol to excess in the first place. And if you are under age 21, don’t drink alcohol at all.

LiveFree! Youth Clubs can help you make good choices. Spread the word about the dangers of drunk driving. No party will ever be worth the monetary, physical, and emotional cost of a drunk driving accident.

Sources:
Drunk Driving Penalties in Florida
Drunk Driving Statistics:

Related Posts:
Say No to Supervised Drinking
Setting an Example for Younger Siblings

When you suspect that a friend or classmate is using drugs or alcohol, it may be hard to sit back and watch if you know that it is wrong. Sometimes it’s best to get an adult or counselor involved, but if you decide to talk to your friend on your own, you should be prepared for the situation. Pay attention to the signs of drug use, and make sure your friend knows you are trying to help because you care.

How to Know If Someone Is Using

If someone is using drugs or alcohol, there may be some warning signs you can look out for. According to an article from Listen Magazine, the following signs may mean your friend is using drugs or alcohol:

• Lying about where he is going or what he is doing
• Pressuring others to try drugs or alcohol
• Dropping out of activities he used to participate in
• Acting or feeling depressed or hopeless
• Acting selfish
• Not coming to school
• Showing a drastic change in mood or behavior
• Showing up drunk or high at school
• Missing class often
• Borrowing or stealing money

How You Can Help

Speak your mind! Approach your friend and ask to have a conversation in private. Assure him that you only want to help and that you won’t share your conversation with anyone. If he admits to using drugs or alcohol, give him some recommendations for help. Above the influence recommends waiting until a time when the person is not drunk or high to talk to have this conversation.

• Have your friend call a hotline
• Show your friend the facts
• Get your friend to visit the guidance counselor
• Listen to your friend and what he has to say
• Remind him that it isn’t his fault
• Notice your tone of voice; remember not to sound critical
• Have a plan: know what you are going to say

If you have a friend or classmate who may be using drugs, refer him to a counselor, an adult or someone else. Our website also has a wealth of resources for substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation.

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Setting an Example for Younger Siblings
Finding Healthy Alternative “Addictions” to Drugs

When it’s your friends who are pressuring you do try drugs, it can be a lot more difficult to say no. However, that’s what you have to do. Whether it’s your best friend or an acquaintance, you shouldn’t feel guilty about saying no to drugs. You’re making the best decision you can!

Here are some ways to turn down drugs and fight off peer pressure, even when your own friends are the ones asking:

“I’ve Got Other Plans”
Tell your friend you have somewhere to be, or something else to do, like a doctor’s appointment or sports practice. If you are going somewhere where you think you may be offered drugs, always have a “way out.”

“It’s Not You”
Sometimes if you say no when offered drugs from friends, they will pressure you more and say if you were their friend, you would try them. Explain that it isn’t them you don’t like; it’s simply the drugs.

Walk Away
There is no reason that you have to stand and take peer pressure, even if it is from your friend or acquaintance. Walking away is an easy way to refuse drugs and peer pressure.

Offer Alternatives
Remind your friends about the kickball match going on or the football game that starts soon. Tell them you would rather do something fun and invite them to come along instead of doing drugs.

Make a Joke
Turn peer pressure around and into a joke. Tell them that the drugs kill brain cells and you need yours for the upcoming chemistry test.

Bring Your Parents into It
Mention that your parents have talked to you about the dangers of drugs, and tell your friends you want nothing to do with drugs and you don’t want to disobey your parents.

Horror Stories
Explain to them what the drugs can do, like kill you or rot your teeth, and your friends may be more inclined to stay away from them themselves.

Live Free! is a group of people who are dedicated to eliminating substance abuse through proactive and strategic actions. We strive every day to improve people’s lives through reducing and eliminating substance use and abuse. Visit us online to see our community resources and ways you can help.

Sources:
Ways to Say “No” to Drugs (GirlsHealth.gov)
Helping Kids Say “No” (Parents the Anti-Drug)
20 Ways to Say “No” to Alcohol and Drugs (Teen Drug Abuse)

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Is Your Friend Using Drugs?

You tell yourself it’s safe because it’s not a drug. It’s a common household product. What could be harmful about that?

It’s more risky than you might realize. When you inhale household items—such as glues, paints, solvents or cleaning solutions—to achieve intoxication, not only is it considered “substance abuse,” but it is also extremely dangerous.

With over 22 million Americans reporting inhalant use at least once in their lives, inhalant abuse is a serious matter. An inhalant is a volatile substance that produces vapors. When inhaled, these vapors result in a rapid high similar to alcohol intoxication, but very short in duration. Despite the short duration, the hazards are ever present.

Dangers of Inhalant Abuse

Immediate effects include drowsiness, lightheadedness, agitation, loss of sensation and even unconsciousness. Additional short-term side effects can include nausea, vomiting, impaired judgment and an inability to function in daily activities.

Apart from the impact inhalant use can have on your daily life, there are irreversible damages that can result. Some inhalants have the potential to induce heart failure, even if it’s the first time you’ve abused them. In high concentrations, inhalants can result in suffocation leading to death. Convulsions, coma, and injuries can occur during intoxication as well.

Some specific inhalants can lead to permanent disabilities. Toluene, a chemical found in spray paints, can cause hearing loss, liver and kidney damage, and permanent brain damage.

The use of inhalants has increased over the past ten years, especially among young adolescents. Making the situation more deadly is the fact that many young people don’t believe there is great risk in using inhalants.

Prevent others from trying inhalants by learning the facts. Share the information to help others stay drug-free. Some of the indications of inhalant abuse are paints stains, chemical odors, intoxicated behavior and depression. Stay alert to the warning signs and intervene before it’s too late. It’s never too early to live drug-free. If you are looking to be more involved in the fight against substance abuse in and around Pinellas County please visit us online.

Sources:

About Inhalants (Inhalants.org)

Inhalant Abuse (NIDA)

Commonly Abused Drugs: Inhalants (The Anti-Drug)

Related Posts:

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Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs and Their Street Names