The holidays are upon us, and we hope you and your family have decided on the safest way to celebrate it. But after months of stress and uncertainty, many are feeling “pandemic fatigue,” a term used for people who are getting tired of taking precautions, which may be a deciding factor when planning holiday activities. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Before we dive in, here are this month’s affirmations:

According to the CDC1 increased stress can lead to an increase in alcohol and drug use. Demotivation among some people may lead to acting in ways that may harm them or others, such as impaired driving. Impaired driving includes distracted driving, drugged driving – whether it be over the counter and prescription drugs or illegal drugs, and drunk driving. If you are staying at home or traveling during the holidays and plan to drink, below are some ideas on how to prepare:

• If you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs, do not drive. Designate a sober driver.
• If you are hosting a small get-together, always offer a non-alcoholic option for drinks for you and your guests.
• If you are a parent and are worried about your teenager drinking or using drugs:
  • Monitor alcohol use in your home.
  • Keep track of your teen’s activities.
  • Communicate with your teen’s friend’s parents.
  • Encourage healthy alternatives to alcohol by asking your teen what activities they would like to participate in with their friends, and coordinate with their friend’s parents. 
  • Set a good example.
  • Talk to your teen about the importance of being responsible and safe.

In 2018, NHTSA launched its If You Feel Different, You Drive Different campaign2 to educate about the dangers of driving while impaired and to promote safer choices. If you are a parent and wish to communicate to your teen about the dangers of impaired driving, you can watch the campaign video with your teen to start the conversation. For more help on conversation starters about alcohol and drug use, SAMHSA offers ideas for conversation starters. 

USAA and AT&T teamed to support the It Can Wait campaign to help end distracted driving. Want to become an advocate? Here are some ideas:

Remember, you are not alone in this. There are many ways that you can be supported and connected. If you would like to learn more about mindfulness skills, visit CARE’s Soothing Place where you can find informational links for mindfulness, coping skills, and wellness. 

If you are or know a youth between 11 – 14 years of age and live in the Glendale or Alhambra area and are looking to being involved, you can join the Youth Leadership Council! Contact christina.munoz@touchstonebh.org for more information.

If you are a community member, parent, business, or youth-serving organization and would like to be involved, you can join the CARE Coalition. To learn more about our coalition, email ruth.santos@touchstonebh.org to sign up. 

For free webinars on many topics to support raising children and teens, visit Operation Parent.

If you, or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others: 

• Call 911
• Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
• Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224 

For the youth, if you know you or your friends need immediate help, call Teen Lifeline. Teen Lifeline is a 24-7 crisis line for teens where teens can call or text another teen about any problems or issues they are facing. This resource is also available to parents and families for support.

• In Maricopa County: 602-248-8336 (TEEN)
• Outside Maricopa County: 1-800-248-8336 (TEEN)
• Outside Arizona/Nationally: 1-877-YOUTHLINE or 1-800-SUICIDE