Parents, Students, Teachers, Youth and Community members — please save the date: for our annual town hall meeting!

LiveFree!, along with WEDU and numerous other partners from our community will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting, titled: Kids and Alcohol and you're invited!  We will be taping the meeting for an upcoming show to appear on WEDU! We would love for you to be part of the audience! The Town Hall Meeting will take place at the Palladium Theater at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21.

This informational meeting will discuss topics on the issues of underage drinking in Florida. Our main goal is to increase the awareness of substance abuse and the problem that it is causing among teens in Florida. Some of the topics up for discussion will include:

• Underage alcohol use
• Synthetic marijuana use
• Prescription drug misuse and abuse
• Peer Pressure faced by our youth

Those are just a few topics we will be discussing and please, if you have any other topics you want discussed or specific questions you would like answered at the meeting, contact livefree@operpar.org.

So, don't forget to save the date for the Town Hall Meeting: Kids & Alcohol — March 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Palladium Theater. The Palladium Theater is located at 253 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg FL.

If you would like more information on this event, please contact livefree@operpar.org or you can visit LiveFee! online. And if you want to join our mailing list, just text LIVEFREE to 22828 and don't forget to include your email address!

We hope to see you there!

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It can be hard to sit back and watch a friend who is caught up in drugs. How do you know if they have a problem?

The use of drugs among teens is rising every day.  It may not seem like a big deal because you see it all of the time, but it can lead to big problems. If you notice that a friend is abusing drugs, make sure you get them help while there is still time.

How will you know if a friend had a drug problem? There are many things to look for and you may not have to look very far. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse website, there are signs that you can look for that will tell you if a friend may be addicted or abusing drugs:

• He or she may take the drug more often or in large quantities.
• He/she may have tried to quit, but can't resist the craving.
• He/she may spend an excessive amount of time trying to find the drug.
• He/she may continue to use the drug even though he/she knows it's harming them and others.
• He/she might give up other things they enjoy for the drug.

If you spot any of these changes in your friend, get them help right away. You can talk to your friend and tell them how much you care about them, but don't try and help them on your own — enlist the help of a counselor, teacher or parent to help. And remember, withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be dangerous, so it's important for them to seek medical help after they stop using them.

For more information on drug abuse and what you should do, click here. To learn more about LiveFree! and their mission, visit their website.

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Discover resources for helping children of parents addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Children are often the indirect victims of substance abuse. When a parent is addicted to drugs or alcohol, addiction can take precedence over parenting. This is a time of distress for kids, regardless of age. Learn how kids of addicted parents can get help.

Know the facts
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that as many as one in four children is exposed to family alcohol abuse or dependence. This is a huge number of kids. Try to be aware that issues like this could be affecting children in your life, and could be at the root of emotional or behavioral issues. With awareness of the effects of substance abuse and dependence growing, pediatricians, teachers and caregivers are becoming more aware of the signs that a child is being exposed to addiction at home.

Help kids find support
If you or a child you know is affected by substance abuse, don’t hesitate to seek help. Children must know that they don’t have to feel guilty for admitting that a parent or caregiver has a problem with addiction. Reassurance is crucial, since kids may feel like acknowledging a problem is a betrayal. Here are some resources that can help kids:

• Encourage children to talk. Give them safe spaces to vent and express fears or anger.
• Provide children with any basic needs that may be ignored while a parent struggles with addiction.
• Introduce children and teens to Alateen and Al-Anon Family Groups for support through meetings.
• Seek further resources at the National Association for Children of Alcoholics.

Lastly, remember that children of alcoholics are not always under 18. If you are an adult child of an alcoholic, don’t hesitate to seek support in any way that you’re comfortable with.

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Learn why anyone could be at risk for developing an addiction.

Contrary to popular belief, addiction isn’t a personality flaw or a result of a certain type of attitude or upbringing. Addiction is a disease. The way it affects the brain is purely scientific. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. Being wealthy, educated or smart won’t save you from addiction if you use drugs or alcohol.

What does addiction feel like? 
Science has shown that drug users start to need the drug just to feel normal, and this is the start of addiction. Addiction isn’t a state of constantly feeling good as much as a state of constantly needing a drug just to feel remotely normal. When you're addicted to drugs, it becomes harder and harder to feel “good.”

How can drugs change your brain?
This isn’t an attitude or a behavior but an actual change to the brain’s chemistry. According to DrugAbuse.gov, these changes cause problems like mood swings, memory loss, trouble thinking and trouble making decisions. As a result, drug addicts can suffer in school, at work and with relationships. Take a look at how repeated drug exposure changes brain function so severely it can be viewed on a scan.

How can they change you?
The need to use drugs to feel regular often encourages drug users to behave in uncharacteristic ways. You may consider yourself above lying or stealing, but addiction could prompt you to do things you normally wouldn't do, just to feel like you were getting by.

When can addiction happen?
While addiction can happen at any age, you’re actually at greater risk while you’re young. These risks are very real and no amount of being aware of addiction beforehand can prevent your brain chemistry from changing as the result of drug abuse.

Learn more about LiveFree! and its mission to reduce youth substance abuse.

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Learn how to debunk damaging myths about drug addiction.

What you think you know about addiction may be a web of inaccuracies and misinformation. Debunk common myths about drug addiction to have a better understanding of the disease and why addicts need support to recover.

Myth #1: Addiction is just a choice.
It’s common for people to blow off drug addiction as bad behavior and bad choices. While the first time or first few times trying drugs may in fact be a very bad choice, addiction is a disease. Like cancer, for example, addiction has side effects and physical symptoms. It also takes a great deal of support and treatment to overcome.

Myth #2: Drug addiction is just a type of escapism.
People try drugs for many reasons. While some may be deliberately seeking escapism, many people are just trying them recreationally. There's no one reason to use drugs and no single reason people become addicts. Addiction can affect anyone. According to DrugAbuse.gov, addiction is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain's structure and how it works.

Myth #3: If alcohol doesn’t really affect you, you won’t become an addict.
Alcohol addiction isn’t about how fast you get drunk or how drunk you feel. Some people believe that there’s only a risk of addiction in people who get drunk easily and act irresponsible when drunk. What you may not know is that strong tolerance to alcohol can actually be a symptom of alcohol addiction. Many individuals with alcoholism show no symptoms.

Myth #4: If you relapse from addiction, you’re a lost cause.
There’s no such thing as being a lost cause when it comes to substance abuse and addiction. Relapse can be very discouraging and upsetting, but the focus must remain on the fact that addiction is a disease. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, seek help.

Myth #5: Drug treatment cures addiction.
Drug treatment puts addicts on the road to recovery, but it does not “cure” addiction. Most individuals with a drug addiction need treatment or counseling in the long term, sometimes throughout life. There’s no quick solution to drug addiction. In fact, addiction can cause permanent effects to the brain and body.

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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.

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Get involved in substance abuse prevention.

Like substance abuse recovery, substance abuse prevention takes a community. Whether that community is a small family unit, a group of friends or an entire nation, you can take part by helping prevent substance abuse. Learn how to help during National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.

Support teachers and schools
Do what you can to help school-based substance abuse prevention programs. This could mean volunteering your time, donating money or asking the school administration how you can help out. Schools are a huge part of teaching kids how to respond appropriately to peer pressure and how to identify and prevent substance abuse, both among peers and family. If you’re a parent, support and review the lessons and advice shared at school.

Talk to your friends and family
Communication and support help prevent substance abuse. Spend time on your relationships. Check in with family and friends. Be there for someone who is hurting and don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re afraid a friend or loved one has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Avoid putting a stigma on substance abuse. Shame and judgment are roadblocks for those seeking recovery.

Be good to yourself
If you or a loved one is dealing with stress of any kind, seek help. If you are affected by substance abuse, find someone to talk to, whether it’s a friend, teacher or medical professional. Substance abuse isn’t something that can be dealt with or prevented alone. Focus on being healthy, including eating well and getting exercise. These activities help you manage the stress of school and work.

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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?

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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.

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

Get the facts on September’s National Recovery Month.

If you or a loved one has recovered from substance abuse, you understand why that achievement should be celebrated–and why it may be difficult to talk about. National Recovery Month helps open a dialogue about substance use and abuse, giving those who have recovered or who are in recovery a voice. Whether you know someone who has abused drugs or alcohol or not, National Recovery Month is an initiative worth supporting. Drug abuse affects individuals and families, including teens. You may not be aware that you have friends affected by substance abuse.

According to the National Recovery Month website, this month:

• Celebrates people in recovery
• Lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers
• Promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible

Do you want to get involved with National Recovery Month? Here are some ways you can:

• Put a widget on your blog or Facebook page
• Attend a local event
• Participate in the Flickr challenge
• Share flyers at school, clubs or at your place of worship

You may be surprised at how many people this issue affects directly. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 23.5 million people 12 and up needed treatment for illicit drug or alcohol abuse problems in 2009. Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance involved in treatment, with opiates falling closely behind.

National Recovery Month promotes and celebrates not only those in recovery, but the treatments, friends and family that helped make recovery possible.

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