This year, LiveFree! will be featuring High School and Middle School clubs from Bay Area schools. Our first club is the Northeast High School LiveFree! Club.

Number of club members:  34

Year this club began: 2009

How has the Northeast High School LiveFree! Club been involved in the community this year?
“In the LiveFree! Club we work toward making the community a better place. So far this year, we have been responsible for our own booth at Red Ribbon Week (Family Fun Festival) at Vinoy Park; taken part in the NOPE Candlelight Vigil, and collected donations for CASA and cell phone for soldiers. We joined the LiveFree! Club to make a change and encourage fellow classmates to do the same. The events are always a lot of fun and T-shirts aren’t bad either!”   – Katherine S., Destiney S., and Jenny N.

What are your future goals as a LiveFree! Club?
“I joined LiveFree! to help people become aware of drugs and their effect on the mind and body. Hoping maybe they would rethink doing them and/or stop doing them. Being in the LiveFree! club we not only help (with) drug awareness, we try to help the community as a whole.”  – Elycia R. and Breana R.

“I LOVE LiveFree! !!”  – Always, Samantha B.

Find out how to prevent bullying and how bullying may be linked to substance abuse.

Research is beginning to show a disturbing trend in teen behavior. According to DrugFree.org, students who bully their classmates are more likely to use cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana compared to kids who don't bully others. These trends suggest a need to approach teen behavior from a broad perspective, focusing on substance abuse as well as peer interactions.

As a student, what does this mean to you?

Surround yourself with friends who make good choices. If you hang out with peers who abuse alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, you’re putting yourself at risk of being affected by the negative behaviors associated with substance abuse. Bullying can become a factor, as well as risks to your health and well-being.

Stand up for what you believe in. While it may not be easy, it’s important to stick to your beliefs. If you bend to bullies and peer pressure, you mark yourself as a target for those who will try to push drugs and alcohol on you, and try to control your behavior. Gravitate toward friends who share your beliefs. Ask your school to educate students about bullying and bullying prevention.

Talk to your teachers and parents. You can’t prevent bullying alone. The adults in your life are part of an important support system meant to protect you and keep you safe. If you’re witnessing bullying or you’ve been a victim of it, talk to a trusted adult. Don’t accept results like, “ignore it” or “fight back.” Keep pushing until you get the support you need to have a safe environment.

Related Posts:
Top Techniques for Saying “NO” to Alcohol
Finding Healthy Alternative “Addictions” to Drugs
Social Web Tips for Teens

The 2012 NOPE (Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education) Candle Light Vigil for Pinellas County will be held on October 25 at Largo Central Park.

Substance abuse and addiction are responsible for the destruction and loss of many lives, and often times those affected by the disease of addiction feel shame or guilt and are left to struggle and recover alone. The purpose of the NOPE Vigils are to eliminate this prejudice surrounding addiction, raise awareness and open the doors to recovery.

During the Sixth Annual National Candle Light Vigil, communities across the nation will join together and host candle light vigils to remember those who have died or are suffering from alcohol and drug related addiction. In addition to the Largo candle light vigil, there will be local events held in Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. To find a NOPE Candle Light Vigil near you, visit their website. You can also add your story, photos or video to the Memorial Wall before or after attending a vigil event.

This year's NOPE vigil will be held at Largo Central Park on October 25 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. For more information on this event, please contact Laurie Serra at laurie.serra@gmail.com.

These three scenarios were created by the LiveFree! Club of Dunedin High School to be used as conversation starters between parents and youth at meal times. Choose one and get the dialog started today! See Part I of our Dinner Dilemmas here.

Situation 1:  You decide to go the beach with your friends, but when you decide to leave, your friends tell you that if you don’t at least smoke once, they won’t loan you money for the bus (you have no money for the bus).

Dilemma:  On the one hand, if you don’t smoke, you can’t go home and you will get into trouble. On the other hand, if you do smoke, you get to go home, but your mom will be able to tell you were smoking and you will be in trouble. You could have avoided all of this by staying home and telling your friends that you couldn’t hang out, but you didn’t know they would make you smoke.

Discussion:  What decision would you make and why?

---

Situation 2:  You go to a party with lots of people, and they begin to offer you drugs and alcohol.

Dilemma:  On the one hand, you could do the drugs and drink the alcohol (look cool). On the other hand, you could decline the drugs and alcohol (look lame).

Discussion:  What should you do and why?

---

Situation 3:  Stephanie and Hector have been arguing constantly at practice. Terri overheard one of their arguments.

Dilemma:  On the one hand, Terri could say something to them to help them work out their problems. On the other hand, Terri could ignore them and pretend like she doesn't’t know they are arguing.

Discussion:  What should Terri do? Why?

 

LiveFree! is a coalition of community members with a vision to reduce substance abuse in our community by creating a safe, healthy community through public and private collaborations to educate and create public awareness, promote advocacy and develop healthy solutions to issues of youth substance abuse.

Learn how to recognize the signs of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse can sneak up on people. Learn how to recognize symptoms in yourself, your friends and your loved ones. When you suspect alcohol abuse, seek help and support. Alcohol dependence, or addiction, is a physical dependence on alcohol. Alcohol abuse is use of alcohol that leads to problems in your life. The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that about 1 out of 6 people in the United States have a drinking problem. Be aware of these symptoms.

Have you or a loved one felt concerned about drinking?
Have you ever thought that maybe you’re drinking too much or relying too heavily on alcohol to have a good time or relax? Has a loved one or friend expressed concerns over how much you drink or how you act when you’re drinking? These kinds of responses are an obvious sign of alcohol abuse, but one that people often ignore. Listen to your instincts.

Are you experiencing behavior changes?
People who abuse alcohol experience problems in everyday life. Has alcohol caused you stop engaging in hobbies or social activities? Are you struggling at work or school? Have you made a poor decision, such as drinking and driving? Changes in behavior are a common sign of alcohol abuse.

Do you drink frequently or in large volumes?
A lack of control surrounding drinking habits is a sign of alcohol abuse. Be wary if you drink several drinks in one sitting, if you drink several times a week, or if you feel unable to stop drinking. Other signs include drinking alone and making excuses to drink.

Related posts:
Top Techniques for Saying “NO” to Alcohol

These words are a part of the mission statement of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center in New York. As the nation and world mark the 11 anniversary of the September 11 attacks today, LiveFree! shares the sentiments of the September 11 Memorial and we encourage you to also make today a day of commemoration.

Thank your first responders for their dedication to protecting your local community. Remember the Americans who have served or are currently serving our nation’s military—many of whom enlisted in response to the September 11 attacks. Let us join together this 9/11 to honor, remember and reunite. If you would like more information from the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, simply visit 911memorial.org.

We would also like to take this opportunity to discuss the issue of substance abuse among the military, veterans, and their families.

The continuing operations In Iraq and Afghanistan weigh heavily on military personnel, their family members and veterans who have returned from the war. Some of these individuals have been deployed for long periods of time or even multiple deployments; they may have experienced combat, physical injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder. In some instances, substance abuse is a key concern among military personnel and veterans. Mental illness is another serious concern.

While a 2008 survey shows that tobacco and illicit drug use among veterans has declined over time, the report also shows increases in other areas, particularly prescription drug abuse and alcohol abuse. Prescription drug abuse among military personnel actually tripled between 2005 and 2008.

Alcohol and prescription drug abuse can pose significant health risks. There are resources available for military personnel, veterans and their families. If you are part of a military family and you or a loved one are dealing with a substance abuse or mental health issue, don’t hesitate to get help.

Here are some resources available to you:

• VA Mental Health Programs & Services
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Locator
• Give an Hour
• New Directions

Find out why driving on marijuana is dangerous and illegal.

People who use marijuana often believe that it’s perfectly safe to drive while high. The truth is, it’s no less dangerous than driving drunk. Because pot affects everyone differently, it’s impossible to gauge levels of impairment. Getting behind the wheel after using marijuana could easily result in the same kind of devastating impairment that drinking and driving causes. Consider this sobering fact: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drugs other than alcohol are involved in about 18 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths.

Many people who use marijuana use alcohol at the same time. This increases the danger of driving and makes drivers more impaired. When you use drugs and drive, you’re not only putting yourself at risk. You’re endangering your passengers and others on the road.

Because marijuana use is harder to measure, users may not realize how impaired they are. It’s somewhat easier to gauge blood alcohol levels and impairment, because drinks come in standard sizes and research has been done on levels of impairment in relation to amounts of alcohol and body size. Marijuana is consumed different ways, people have different tolerance levels, and there are no standards when it comes to the potency and quality. Because of this, any instance of marijuana use could vary wildly when it comes to impairment.

If you use marijuana, even medicinally, it’s very important not to get behind the wheel. Don’t be fooled by feelings of calm or even focus. Your motor skills and judgment are as impaired as they would be if you were drunk. It’s never worth someone’s life to get behind the wheel when you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Related Posts:
Community Resources for Drug Addiction and Prevention
The Definition of Gateway Drugs

Learn how to help a friend through the difficult time of dealing with substance abuse.           

 

Though drug and alcohol abuse may often be a choice, addiction is not a choice. When a friend is dealing with addiction, it can be a difficult and scary time for that person. It can also be a scary and frustrating time for you as a friend. Learn more about addiction so you can help a friend.

Know that Addiction is a Disease
According to DrugAbuse.gov, drugs change how the brain works for a long time. Addiction isn’t a bad habit or bad behavior. It’s a serious issue that most often requires major intervention to recover from. Addiction can interfere with school, work and relationships.

Talk to Others
If you see that a friend is experiencing drug addiction, you may need to speak to their parents or another trusted adult. This isn’t an issue you can handle by yourself. Don’t feel like you’re betraying your friend or tattling. Substance abuse and addiction can kill, and addiction isn’t something to be taken lightly or ignored.

Be Supportive
Don’t shame your friend for their behavior. As a friend, your best bet is to listen when your friend is willing to talk. Give your friend opportunities to do things that may take their mind off of issues related to substance abuse. Don’t judge them if they needs treatment or therapy to overcome addiction. Never offer drugs or alcohol.

Be Gentle with Yourself
Remember that people with addiction often need professional intervention. Sometimes all you can do is provide love and support. Don’t guilt yourself. You can’t “fix” your friend. A friend’s addiction can cause you heartbreak and anger. Get help if you need it.

Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) at any time to find drug treatment centers near you.

Related Posts:
Finding Healthy Alternative “Addictions” to Drugs
The Definition of Gateway Drugs
Is Your Friend Using Drugs?

These scenarios were created by the Dunedin High School LiveFree! Club to be used as conversation starters between parents and youth at meal times. Choose one to get the dialogue started today!

Situation 1:  Your parents are out of town and your friends tell you they want to throw a big party at your house, but you don’t want them to have a party at your house.

Dilemma:  On the one hand, you could disobey your parents’ rule about no parties and please your friends. On the other hand, you could tell your friends you are going ahead with other plans and not have the party (it’s against your parents’ rule).

Discussion:  Should you please your friends or your parents?  Why?

---

Situation 2:  Your friend is in an abusive relationship and she shares her secret with you.

Dilemma:  On the one hand, you could tell a trusted adult to help her.  On the other hand, you could be a good friend, keep the secret, and hope for the best.

Discussion:  What should you do? Why?

---

Situation 3:  You’re out in the mall and your friends want you to “grip” (steal).

Dilemma:  On the one hand, you don’t want to disappoint your friends by walking away and doing the right thing. On the other hand, you don’t want to disappoint your parents by being sent to jail for stealing.

Discussion:  What should you do?  Why?

LiveFree! is a coalition of community members with a vision to reduce substance abuse in our community by creating a safe, healthy community through public and private collaborations to educate and create public awareness, promote advocacy and develop healthy solutions to issues of youth substance abuse.

Without enough sleep, every little obstacle can feel like a mountain. With a good night’s rest, it feels like you can take on anything.

Get better rest to feel better emotionally, avoid getting sick, succeed at school and stay sharper during the day. The CDC describes promotion of regular sleep as sleep hygiene. Here are six ways to sleep better:

1. Stick to a routine. Make sure you wake up at around the same time every day. Go to bed as close to the same time every night. Keeping a steady rhythm helps teach your brain to “turn off” at bedtime.                               
2. It matters where you sleep. Make the bedroom sleep-friendly. Your bed should be comfortable and clean. You should avoid using the bed for studying or reading. Don’t keep a computer or television in your bedroom.
3. Create a sleep-friendly environment. Pretend like your bedroom is your sleep cave. You should keep the temperature even and cool. The room should be dark. If you’re sensitive to light, even a bright clock or gadget can disrupt your sleep. Use a white noise machine if you’re frequently interrupted by sounds.
4. Don’t pig out before bedtime. Big meals or even big snacks too close to bedtime can mess with your sleep. Try to eat at least a few hours before bed. Don’t drink too much liquid before bedtime and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
5. Work out. Exercise helps you sleep, as long as you don’t work out right before bedtime. Try taking a daily walk or doing cardio every day to help your body wind down for bedtime.
6. Get help if you need it. If you find yourself tossing and turning, just get out of bed and exit the bedroom completely. Go read a magazine or watch some lighthearted television. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor about your sleep issues.

Related Posts:
Setting an Example for Your Children
Managing Stress in School