RAYSAC Presents: What does Everyone Need to Know About Fentanyl?

These printable handouts are available now by saving from this post and printing them yourself, or contacting raysacorg@gmail.com with a request to have them printed and delivered to you, absolutely free. Help us get the word out about this rising trend in Fentanyl overdoses!

Protective Factors: Ways to Build Wellness & Resilience in Youth

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It is no surprise that youth and young adults have faced new challenges to their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed that, in the past year, nearly half of 10th and 12th grade students in the Roanoke Valley felt so sad or hopeless that they stopped doing some usual activities¹. Recent research has identified childhood depression as a key risk factor for opioid use in young adulthood (Shanahan et al., 2021)². This means we all need to be able to recognize warning signs and strengthen factors that protect youth mental health in our community.

If you are concerned about a loved one’s mental health or drug use, it is important to recognize warning signs of a developing problem. More importantly, it is essential to know that help is available and where you can find it! Here are some common signs and symptoms of drug misuse and mental health problems:

        • Risky behavior (such as driving while intoxicated or having unprotected sex)
        • Sudden changes in appetite, sleep habits, personality, or mood
        • Acting secretive or suspicious
        • Withdrawal from friends, family, and favorite activities
        • Neglecting school or work responsibilities
        • Bloodshot eyes and unusual smells on body or clothes
        • Talking or thinking about suicide – If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call one of these emergency resources:
            • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
            • Crisis Text Line: Text the word HOME to 741-741
            • Call 9-1-1
            • You can also visit findtreatment.samhsa.gov to locate nearby treatment services for substance use, addiction, or mental health problems.
        • Warning signs in younger children may involve behaviors. Some examples are:
            • Changes in school performance
            • Frequent nightmares
            • Frequent disobedience or tantrums
            • Hyperactive behavior
            • Fighting to avoid bedtime or school (due to excessive worry)

These are just some of the common signs that someone might be suffering from a mental health or substance misuse problem. Keep in mind that sometimes, warning signs might be hidden, or they may be caused by something other than a mental health or drug use problem. This list is NOT meant to diagnose a disease; it should only be used to help you decide if professional help is needed.

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While it is important to recognize signs of a problem and know when to get help, preventing problems from occurring in the first place is just as important. Many factors can increase or reduce a person’s risk for drug misuse. These are sometimes called risk factors and protective factors. Communities like ours can reduce the prevalence and impact of substance misuse by reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors. And because many of these underlying factors influence multiple parts of society, we can all benefit from building up protective factors in our area.

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Protective factors can be found (and built up!) in any part of a community. They can be found in families, neighborhoods, communities, faith-based groups, schools, sports teams, clubs, friend groups and even an individual’s personal characteristics. There are too many opportunities for strengthening protective factors to list them all here, but some examples are:

    • Parents who tell their kids that they do not approve of drug misuse
    • School or workplace anti-drug policies
    • Neighborhoods and communities that support positive connections
    • Parents who are involved in their kids’ lives
    • Students who have positive goals and hopes for the future
    • Friends who encourage each other to do well at school and in life

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Boosting a teen’s mental health can be as simple as regularly asking them about school and their group of friends. We all need help from others sometimes, so let’s all show that we care about youth by investing in their mental well-being.

 

References

1. 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey implemented in the counties of Botetourt and Craig and the cities of Roanoke and Salem in grades 10 and 12. 47.3% of respondents said that, during the past 12 months, they felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities.

2. Shanahan, L., Hill, S. N., Bechtiger, L., Steinhoff, A., Godwin, J., Gaydosh, L. M., Harris, K. M., Dodge, K. A., & Copeland, W. E. (2021). Prevalence and Childhood Precursors of Opioid Use in the Early Decades of Life. JAMA pediatrics175(3), 276–285. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.5205

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Connect with us on social media!

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Social Media on My Mind: Building Positive Connections

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Smartphones and social media have revolutionized the ways we interact with technology and with each other. Social media can be a beneficial technology. It allows us to find news and information, share fun content, and connect with old friends or make new ones. For some of us, social media is a vital means of connection when we are unable to interact face-to-face.

But sometimes social media can be harmful as well. With nearly 9 out of every 10 teenagers reporting they use the Internet at least several times a day¹, it is important to know the potential pitfalls of social media and how to avoid them. Here are some key points about social media use, especially among youth and young adults:

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Depression and Anxiety

While social media is a great way to connect with friends, problems can appear if too much importance is placed on likes and comments. If someone posts a picture and does not get as many likes or comments as they expected, they might feel disappointed, anxious, or depressed. These feelings can also appear if someone compares their posts to those of others, who seem to have perfect lives.

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Poor Body Image

It is common for social media celebrities to make posts about dieting and exercising to lose weight or increase athletic performance. But it is also common to filter or edit these images to artificially boost the person’s appearance. When someone compares themself to these unrealistic ideals, they can feel badly about their body image, appearance, or value as a person.

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 Cyberbullying

 Cyberbullying is when bullying happens online. Sadly, online bullying can be worse than face-to-face bullying because it is easy to hide from parents and teachers, and it can be posted anonymously and publicly. Bullies might be more cruel online because they are not seeing their victim’s face-to-face. Cyberbullying can lead to sadness, low self-esteem, violence, and thoughts of suicide.

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Like many things, the key to healthy social media use is moderation. There are great benefits to using social media, but you may be surprised at how beneficial it is to take some time off from social media. In fact, one study published in 2020 found that people who deactivated their Facebook account for a month reported lower depression and anxiety, and greater satisfaction with life.² Whether for a month or just for a few hours this evening, try taking a break from social media and focusing on your mental well-being.

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Here are some tips to help you set boundaries and improve your digital wellness:

      • Limit the amount of time you spend on social media each day.
      • Try taking one day off from all social media each week.
      • Remind yourself that people only share their best moments online – everyone has problems, even if you don’t see them!
      • Make sure to spend time with the people and activities you enjoy in the real world.
      • Get familiar with your privacy settings on social media sites. If someone is bullying or harassing you online, you can block them from contacting you or report them to the site’s administrators. Some sites also allow you to hide content that you don’t want to see, without alerting the post’s creator.
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Most smartphones now have settings you can use to help track and limit your time on social media apps. For Apple devices, click here to learn more about Screen Time. For Android devices, click here to learn more about Digital Wellness.

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References:

1. Pew Research Center. (May 2018). “Teens, Social Media, & Technology 2018”. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/

2. Allcott, H., Braghieri, L., Eichmeyer, S., & Gentzkow, M. (2020). “The welfare effects of social media.” American Economic Review110(3): 629-76. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20190658

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2021 Red Ribbon Week Student and School Contest Award Winners

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RAYSAC would like to congratulate all of the 2021 Red Ribbon Week Student and School Award Winners! We had several submissions for the media contest from all over the valley, and some great talent! As always, our valley area schools rose to the occassion, and blew us away with their hard work and dedication to making this week a huge SUCCESS! Everyone should be proud of themselves, and we at RAYSAC wish we could give awards to every entry, because you all deserved it! Below are the student contest winners by grade  level, and the school contest winners. Congratulations to all!!!.

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3rd Place- Abby Craft- McCleary Elementary

2nd Place- Cora Crowder- McCleary Elementary

1st Place-Benjamin Williams- Troutville Elementary

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3rd Place- Lilly Swindell-McCleary Elementary

2nd Place- Ryleigh Neff- McCleary Elementary

1rst Place- Ashlynn Hale-Smith- McCleary Elementary

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3rd Place– Emma Lindsey- McCleary Elementary

2nd Place- Makenzley McCormick- McCleary Elementary

1st Place- Isabelle Williams- Troutville Elementary

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3rd place- Kamberleigh Smith- McCleary Elementary

2nd Place- Rylee Mattox- McCleary Elementary

1st Place- Colton Molyneux- Troutville Elementary

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3rd Place- Cameron Vess- Troutville Elementary

2nd Place- Asher Everette- Fort Lewis Elementary

1st Place- Chloe Wilson- Grandin Court Elementary

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3rd Place: Alasdair Hackworth- Grandin Court Elementary

2nd Place: Finley Biddle- Grandin Court Elementary

1st Place- Kaylyn Sutfin- Grandin Court Elementary

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3rd Place- Aahana Magu- Hidden Valley Middle School

2nd Place- Luca Dorlini- Hidden Valley Middle School

1st Place- Ashlynn Shabana- Hidden Valley Middle School

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HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

Teenage years can be an exciting time for growth and learning, but it can also be one of the most difficult. As they try to find their place in the world, they face pressures of changing times, changing norms, and never ending peer pressure. It is often at this time where they may start to experiment with drugs and alcohol. The average age of first use for marijuana is 14 and alcohol can start as early as 122. Teens start using for a variety of reasons such as boredom, depression, curiosity, stress, and/or peer pressure2.

Adolescents are very talented at hiding what they are doing and there are many products available at home, in stores, and online that help with this process. These items usually look like ordinary household items that are often undetected by parents. Below are a few examples of items that are most used to conceal illegal drug or alcohol use:

  • Dryer Sheets: These can be used to mask the smell of marijuana on clothing, when smoking or storing3.  These can be placed in the air vents of a bedroom or bathroom.
  • Custom Cans: There are numerous containers on the market with false bottoms or middles that can be used to store drugs. These can easily be purchased online and tend to look like everyday products like shaving cream and soda bottles3.
  • Sports Drinks and other colored and flavored drinks: Clear alcohol can easily be mixed with these and brought undetected to events3.
  • Sploof: A sploof is a homemade filter used to mask the smell of marijuana. These are usually made out of an empty toilet paper roll and dryer sheets. There are many YouTube videos that show how these are made3.
  • Homemade Smoking Pipes: These can be made out of many objects, including an apple or a soda can3.  
  • Drinking Game Paraphernalia: Items such as ping-pong balls or solo cups can be an indicator of alcohol use3
  • Flasks: These are available in many different shapes and sizes, including hairbrushes, lotions bottles, and tampon cases3.   
  • Purple Drank or Lean: This is a slang term for a mixture of cold medicine,  soda, ice and hard candy. The cold medicine usually contains promethazine and codeine and the effects of the drink last anywhere from 3-6 hours3.

Unfortunately, this is not a complete list of all the items that can be hidden in plain sight in any teenage room; there are many, many more. Parents, please be aware and make yourself familiar with these items. As always talk to your children about the dangers of substance abuse.

References:

  1. AACAP (2018) Teens: Alcohol and Other Drugs. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. March 2018 . https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teens-Alcohol-And-Other-Drugs-003.aspx
  2. Drug Abuse. Teenagers and Drugs: 11 Real Reasons Why Teenagers Experiment. Drug Abuse. https://drugabuse.com/11-real-reasons-teenagers-experiment-drugs/
  3. Power to the Parent. Hidden in Plain Sight. Power to the Parent.org. http://powertotheparent.org/be-aware/hidden-in-plain-sight/

Social Media and Substance Use

The social media era is upon us and everyone always seems to have a device of some sort in their hands. Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or any of the others, three out of four Americans use at least one social networking site2. Social media accounts help us to make connections all over the world with a variety of different people. They allow us to talk with friends and family that may be hours away or just down the hall from us.

Social media is known to be a source for updating users on news, discussions, and most famously talking about opinions and feelings. There is, however, a dark side to this social media world. It harvests all kinds of ads and comments on drugs and alcohol. One study was able to conclude that social media users talk about the opioid epidemic on a variety of topics; how to abuse opioids, where to buy opioids, the social impact of opioid abuse and opioid withdrawal4. On the flip side, there are also many social media accounts on the internet that are trying to increase knowledge and spread information on substance use.  There is so much information available to us at just a click of a button. Information is power and social media has the ability to give us that information quickly, but at what cost? There are many pros and cons to the social media world, below are just a few:

Pros:
· It allows teens to stay informed on current events and technology1.
· It is easier to study and carry out research1.
· It can boost self-esteem1.
· It keeps teens connected to friends and family5.
· It can make them feel less alone or isolated5.
· It allows teens to share ideas and explore their creative sides5.
Cons:
· Teens can be exposed to cyberbullyng, depression and other mental health issues1.
· It can decrease productivity levels1.
· It can destroy social skills and self-esteem1.
· It can lead to the sharing of too much information1.
· There have been reports of social media being used as a strategy for selling drugs3.
· Teens are exposed to tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and alcohol ads from industry and posts about substances by their friends3.

The internet has allowed us to have so much ease with research and connectivity, but with the development of social media platforms, it has opened the doors for exposure to topics like substance use. It can either glorify substance use, or help to inform us on the dangers of them. Parents, take the time to discuss the dangers of social media and set limits on its use with your teens.

References:

1. Austin, K.. (2016). The Pros and cons of teens on Social media. PhoneSheriff. 23 June 2016. http://www.phonesheriff.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-teens-on-social-media/

2. Chary, M.,  Genes, N.,  Giraud-Carrier, C., Hanson, C., Nelson, L., Manini, A., (2017).  Epidemiology from Tweets: Estimating Misuse of Prescription Opioids in USA from Social Media.  Journal of Medical Toxicology. December 2017, 13(4), 278-286. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5711756/

3. Costello, C., Ramo, D. (2017). Social Media and Substance Use: What Should We Be Recommending to Teens and Their Parents? Journal of Adolescent Health. 60 (2017) 629-630. https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(17)30158-1/pdf

4. Pandrekar, S., Chen, X., Gopalkrishna, G., Srivastava, A., Saltz, M., Saltz, J., & Wang, F. (2018). Social Media Based Analysis of Opioid Epidemic Using Reddit. AMIA. Annual Symposium proceedings. AMIA Symposium, December 2018, 867–876. https://ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6371364/

5. TISPY. 7 Pros and Cons of Social Media for Teens and How Parents Can Monitor It. TISPY: Parental Monitoring Software. https://tispy.net/blog/pros-cons-of-social-media-for-teens

Social Media Causes Isolation in Teens

Social media was originally thought to be something that would expand our worldview and help us feel connected to people who don’t live in our neighborhood.  With only a few swipes on their smartphones, teens can now meet more people, develop relationships and have more opportunities for seeing beyond the world around them… or so it may seem.  What’s actually happening is that teens are becoming more sheltered and less independent than any generation before them.

According to social psychologist Jean Twenge:

  • Today’s 12th graders spend less time outside of the house without their parents than 8th graders did in 2009.
  • The number of teens who spend time daily with friends dropped by 40% between 2000 and 2015. (Smartphones became popular around 2012.)
  • Only 55% of high school seniors have jobs when school is in session, compared to 77% during the late 1970s.
  • Teens are also driving less and depending on parents more for rides.

This isolation has had a painful effect on our teenagers.  Jean Twenge states that rates of depression and suicide are so high that members of Generation Z are “on the brink of the worst mental health crisis in decades.” How did this happen? Listed below are some ways that social media harms teens.

  • Social media prevents teens from learning or practicing social skills. The teen years are when the social skills necessary for adulthood are learned, practiced and improved. Because of social media, teens don’t get the chance to put in the work of getting to know a person because everything about that person is already posted and on display.
  • Because of social media, being ignored is now intensified. With all the ways teens communicate instantly through their phones and can see if their messages have been read, teens know when they are being ignored. Because teens lack impulse control, they often reply immediately and they expect the same of their peers. When a teen sees that a friend is ignoring them, the teen feels anxious, ignored, frustrated and unimportant.
  • Social media makes it very easy for teens to know when they’re being left out. When today’s adults were teens, we didn’t know we were left out of a gathering unless someone told us or we overheard someone talking about it. Missing out hurts. These days, all a teen has to do is open their favorite app to see what their friends are doing without them – and others can see it, too. Knowing instantly that they have been left out and that others know about it – even while the event is still happening – can be devastating for a teen.
  • Social media makes it difficult for teens to consider other points-of-view. Social media platforms like Tumblr encourage people to only interact with people who think like they think. The  algorithms for Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are constantly being changed, and the trend is moving toward the same kind of like-minded interaction.  If teens are only talking to other teens who also feel lonely and depressed, they won’t hear different points-of-view.  Because their brains are still developing, teens can’t see beyond the situation they are experiencing.  When they talk only to other teens who feel as they feel, they don’t realize that people actually care about and will listen to them.
  • Social media can harm a teen’s already-fragile self-image. People tend to post only the photos and details about their lives that they want others to see. Because teens don’t understand that what they see online isn’t real, they compare their own lives to the perfect, happy lives they see and feel they can’t measure up to others. This leads to feelings of insecurity, jealousy, loneliness and depression. The problem gets worse when a teen receives “likes” and praise on a fake life they show online because it supports their belief that their regular lives aren’t good enough. It’s a vicious cycle.
  • Quality time and relationships suffer when social media is a priority. People tend to pay attention to others who are not present more than the people who are right in front of them. We’ve all ignored things in our lives because we were playing on our phones. Teens are no exception; when they are distracted by an app or texting with friends, they aren’t spending time strengthening relationships with the people who are physically around and care about them – their families and actual friends.

 Now that you know the ways social media can hurt teens, here are some ways you can help reduce the damage:

  • Set a limit for your teen of 2 hours per day of phone/screen time. (Go ahead and assume that at least 30 minutes are used at school.)This boundary might be difficult to set and maintain, but you’ll be helping your teen immensely. This will work best if the entire family has to follow the limitation.
  • Encourage your teen to get naturally high. A natural high comes from participating in any activity they enjoy, even if they aren’t good at it. Support and encourage your teen in finding THEIR OWN natural high, not what you want for them. Doing so will be especially helpful for improving their self-esteem.
  • Unplug and spend time with your teen and your family when everyone is together. Sit down for a family dinner and have everyone put their devices in a separate place. Being present with your other family members will strengthen your relationships with each other and also set a positive example for your teen.
  • Tell your teen to get to work!  As long as it leaves plenty of time for completing schoolwork and spending time with family, a part-time job will provide opportunities to practice social skills, learn responsibility, impulse control and discipline and make their own money while being independent. A bonus is that they won’t be able to play on their phone!
  • Take an interest in your teen. Don’t just ask “How was your day?” and leave them alone. Ask open-ended questions about their daily lives and ask about the things THEY think are important, even if you don’t understand.  Listening to your teen will help you understand them better and will let them know you care. When you’re asking your questions, be sure BOTH of you are free from cell phones or other distractions.
  • Get them moving. Exercising regularly causes the brain to release feel-good chemicals that may help with depression. It also reduces fatigue, helps with concentration, helps increase self-esteem, serves as a healthy distraction and is a positive way to cope with difficult situations and feelings. Also, it’s an opportunity for them to look at the world around them. It doesn’t have to be intense or last a long period of time. What’s important is that your teen gets moving and does it often. Again, this will work best if you’re setting an example and doing it too.
  • Encourage your teen to spend time with friends, in person. Invite their friends over for pizza – and have them turn in their phones at the door. They may think it’s lame at first, but they will enjoy the face-to-face time and will actually communicate with each other, which will strengthen those relationships.

Strengthening your teen from the negative effects of social media may be difficult, as he or she will not see the benefit and you’ll be met with resistance, but you know what’s best for your child.  You can do it!

Parents, pay attention to your teen’s social media use.  They need your help to be safe!