Illinois Churches in Action

03/11/2026

A major new longitudinal study published in JAMA Health Forum followed more than 463,000 adolescents and found that cannabis use was associated with double the risk of developing psychotic and bipolar disorders, as well as increased risk for depression and anxiety. Notably, cannabis use preceded psychiatric diagnoses by nearly two years on average—and the elevated risk remained even after accounting for prior mental health conditions.

This is critical information for parents, educators, and young people. Awareness matters. Prevention matters.

Read the full study here:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2845356

03/11/2026

Cannabis and other illicit drugs are associated with higher stroke risk, underscoring the importance of addressing substance use disorders in health strategies.

03/11/2026

Prosecutors say operators of a Bronx day care hid kilos of fentanyl under a trap door above which children played and slept. A 22-month-old boy died and three other children were hospitalized after exposure.

03/11/2026

That “glow” people talk about after quitting drinking? It’s not a placebo. It’s biology.

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it forces your kidneys to flush water out faster than your body can replace it. But the damage to your skin goes far beyond dehydration.
Alcohol depletes vitamin A, one of the most important nutrients for skin cell turnover and repair. Without enough of it, dead skin cells accumulate, pores clog, and your complexion loses its brightness. At the same time, alcohol triggers inflammation that accelerates the breakdown of elastin and collagen, the two proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and resilient. Research shows that women who consumed 8 or more drinks per week had significantly more facial lines, under-eye puffiness, and loss of volume compared to non-drinkers.
This isn’t just happening on big nights out. Even moderate, regular drinking keeps your skin in a constant state of recovery. That puffiness, the dullness, the fine lines appearing earlier than expected? Your skin is working overtime to undo the damage.
Many people who quit drinking report visible improvements in skin tone, texture, and hydration within 2 to 4 weeks. Your skin is one of the fastest parts of your body to show the benefits of going alcohol-free.
You’re not aging faster than everyone else. You’re just giving your skin more damage to recover from. 💕

03/11/2026

03/11/2026

They say people drink to celebrate, but more often, they drink to escape.

The truth? No one gets drunk on alcohol when they are satisfied with their own life. When you’re truly lit up by your mission, your health, and your relationships, you don’t need a liquid chemical to “take the edge off.” You actually want to be present for every second of it.

Follow for the best alcohol-free content!

03/11/2026

There's a growing number of children abusing ma*****na.

03/11/2026

Today, NCPG endorsed the Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment & Support (POINTS) Act, led by Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR).

The POINTS Act is the first bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress in 15 years to address problem gambling among the general population, creating dedicated federal funding to support prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment services for gambling addiction.

Read the full press release: https://www.ncpgambling.org/news/introduction-of-points-act/

03/11/2026

I am proud to support Senator John Keenan as the Massachusetts Senate takes an initial step toward advancing the Bettor Health Act.

The proposal would:
• Restrict prop bets and live in-game betting
• Limit sports betting advertising during broadcasts
• Strengthen affordability and consumer protections

Prop bets and live betting are among the fastest forms of wagering, designed for constant engagement. Sports betting is a known addictive product. When speed and volume increase, risk increases.

This legislation reflects a public health approach. Prevention and guardrails must be established before harm occurs, not after.

03/11/2026

Kat von D.

💎 Kat von D. 18 years in Recovery.

💎 Kat Von D has been sober for over 18 years, having quit alcohol in July 2007 when it began to threaten her career.

💎 She has been candid about her journey, including overcoming a, at one point, severe addiction to drugs and smoking, finding strength through self-accountability and, more recently, her faith.

Addiction Actually

03/11/2026

One night out does more than just dehydrate you; it creates nearly two weeks of cellular malnutrition.

Alcohol actively destroys your body's ability to absorb essential B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc for up to 10 days.

Follow for the best alcohol-free content!

03/11/2026

You never wake up wishing you drank last night.