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Substance Use – Let’s Talk about it!

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Substance use is deeply impacting Somali youth everywhere, especially here in Minnesota. The use of controlled prescriptions such as Fentanyl, oxycodone, and many others, have become prevalent among Somali youth and is the number one cause of overdose. Substance addiction has a cascading effect, causing many      costly social, physical, and emotional issues for the user and public health issues for the community. 

Substance use affects the growing brain

As youth, our brains are continuing to develop until we are about the age of 25. Using these harmful substances impacts the brain because they interfere with the neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals that allow neurons to communicate by sending and receiving messages. Neurons may potentially die as a result of the harmful chemicals found in these drugs. Further, substance use can have an effect on a person’s emotions, judgment, decision-making, learning, and memory. Drug use can also worsen any medical illnesses or health issues that someone may have. Therefore, substance use can have negative psychological effects on young people because it can hinder the progress of their developing brains. 

Reasons Youth might start substance Use

There are many different reasons that a youth might start to use substances. These might include problems at home, peer pressure, or maybe substance use is encouraged by an adult in the youth’s life. In other cases, a parent’s distrust for their child based on what they see or hear other youth are doing could lead to their child making risky choices in order to be rebellious. I have seen among my peers how this plays out among my peers. When a parent is already suspecting their kid is using drugs or engaging in other risky behaviors, the youth might feel like they have nothing to lose by engaging in these behaviors because they are already being painted a certain way. 

Pressure from school can be another reason why youth might turn to substance use. School is a place where youth can face different issues. For example, they might be struggling with grades, or might be having social issues, and turn to drugs to alleviate some anxiety. Peer pressure is also a main reason why a young person might start experimenting with substance use. For youth, the people they hang out with have a huge influence on their lives and the choices that they make at such an impressionable age. In most cases of peer pressure, a young person would choose to do what their friends are doing fearing that saying “no” will lead them to be an outcast.

Nicotine is Gateway to Substance Use Disorder

Gateway drugs can be introduced to children in the form of vapes, especially to minors in middle and high school. Vaping has been marketed as something “cool” to youth and many of them start as early as middle school due to peer pressure. There’s a misconception that vaping is like a better form of smoking and that it is less harmful, however, it contains a very high amount of nicotine that people, especially youth, don’t seem to not know about. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical because once consumed, it quickly absorbs into your body and goes directly to the brain. Additionally, because nicotine is highly addictive, it primes the brain for addiction to harder drugs such as the illegal use of prescription pills. Substance use has become very common among youth in our community, and we all need to do our part in raising awareness about this issue and take steps toward reducing its impact on our community. In the past few years, it is very noticeable how much this epidemic has impacted our youth. We need to take action and change this narrative and make a better future for the youth.

To summarize, the misuse of drugs psychologically affects a youth’s brain development and physical body. In many cases, problems at home, social issues and peer pressure play a role in a youth’s decisions. Therefore, as a youth, it is important to surround yourself with positive influences that will add value to your life. Be mindful about who you are hanging out with, as they can impact your physical and mental wellbeing. It is also important for parents to have a conversation with their child to be aware of what is going on in their lives without judgment or jumping to conclusions. Substance use is a huge issue in our community, and it is important that we are all aware, so we are doing our part to combat it.

Written by youth Leaders:

Aisha Mohamud

Mumtaza Mohamed

Socaad Haille

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Khadka Caawinta Qaxootiga iyo Soo Galootiga: Wac maanta si aad u hesho macluumaad iyo ilo xogo

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 Khadka Gargaarka Qaxootiga iyo Soo Galootiga ee Waaxda Adeegyada Dadweynaha ee Minnesota wuxuu isku xiraa dadka Minnesotan ee cusub iyo macluumaadka maxalliga ah, ilaha iyo adeegyada bulshooyinka gobolka oo dhan. Adeegga Xafiiska Barnaamijyada Dib u Dejinta ee DHS wuxuu diyaar u yahay dadka cusub ee Minnesota, ururada bulshada, shaqaalaha degmada iyo Qabiilka Hindida Mareykanka — iyo qof kasta oo su’aal qaba.

Wac 1-800-814-4806 ama u dir iimayl DHS.RPO.Helpline@state.mn.us maanta si aad ula hadasho qof ku hago!

Waxaan halkan u joognaa inaan ku caawinno

Khadka caawinta ee dadka ku hagayo waxay qaddarin siiyaan asturnaanta wicitaannada oo waxayna bixiyaan hagitaan ay dadku ku kalsoonaan karaan. Dadka ku hagayo ayaa kaa caawin kara:

  • Inay ku xiraan dadka ilaha iyo macluumaadka ku saabsan helitaanka shaqooyinka, gargaarka cuntada, caymiska caafimaadka, gargaarka guryaha, gargaarka sharciga ah, fasallada Ingiriisiga iyo in kaloo badan.
  • Inay kuu gudbiyaan Adeegyada Shabakadda Dib u Dejinta ee loogu talagalay dadka leh ilaalinta ku aaddan bini’aadamnimada.
  • Inay ka jawaabaan su’aal kasta ee ku soo dhacda maskaxda qofka soo waco khadka – ama inay kaa caawiyaan si aad u ogaato meesha laga billaabo tallaabada koowaad. Dadka ku hagaya ayaa bixiya taageero joogto ah iyo dabagal ku aaddan haddii aan su’aalaha wacaha si deg deg ah loo xallin.

Dadka ku hagaya ayaa horey uga caawiyay dad soo wacay wax walba laga soo billaabo helitaanka goobaha lagu bixiyo cuntada ee u dhow, isu diiwaangelinta fasallada kulliyadda, u helitaanka guri lagu hayo bisad inta uu milkiilahii bisadda ku jiray isbitaalka.

Adeegyada waxaa lagu heli karaa luqado badan

Dadka ku hagayo ayaa diyaar u ah inay ka jawaabaan su’aalaha iyagoo ku hadlayo:

  • English
  • Ruush
  • Spanish
  • Yukreeniyaan

Turjumaanno ku hadla in ka badan 240 luqadood ayaa sidoo kale la heli karaa. Dadka soo waco waxay sheegi karaan luuqaddooda ay doorbidayaan, qofka hagayana wuxuu Khadka Luuqadda soo gelin doonaa qof turjubaan ah.

Bogagga internedka ee leh Khadka Caawinta

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Tibyan Center Hosts Successful Iftar Dinner at New Facility in Saint Anthony

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SAINT ANTHONY – Tibyan Center recently hosted a memorable Iftar dinner at its newly acquired facility in Saint Anthony, Minnesota. The center, renowned for its dedication to Quranic studies and memorization, has gained recognition both locally and internationally. Its students have excelled in prestigious Quran competitions, a testament to the quality of instruction provided by the center.

Abdinasir, the esteemed director of Tibyan Center, is a well-respected Quranic scholar, and under his leadership, the center has earned a global reputation for excellence. The Iftar event, which saw over 150 attendees, included distinguished guests such as local Islamic scholars, business leaders, elected officials, and students. Several speakers shared their thoughts and experiences, further highlighting the center’s impact.

The evening was a resounding success, and the center is currently fundraising to support the ongoing development of its new building. Tibyan Center’s commitment to its mission and community continues to inspire and attract support, ensuring a bright future for its students and the broader Islamic community.

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Youth Leader and Mentor: Mohamed Jama’s Fight for Change in Whittier

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MINNEAPOLIS – In the heart of Minneapolis, the Whittier neighborhood has recently become a focal point of concern, grappling with a significant surge in gun violence and crime. This troubling trend has particularly impacted the immigrant residents, leaving many feeling vulnerable and neglected. Amid this turmoil, one community member has stepped up to make a profound difference: Mohamed Jama, a devoted father, husband, and passionate youth mentor.

Recognizing the urgent need for positive change, Mohamed Jama founded Youth Legacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the community and providing a safe haven for its young residents. His journey began after witnessing the devastating effects of violence on families in his neighborhood. “I couldn’t just stand by and watch,” Mohamed reflects. “I knew I had to take action.”

A Commitment to Community Safety

With gun violence leading the statistics in Whittier, Mohamed Jama knew that safety was paramount. He organizes weekly street outreach initiatives and safety walks, where community members and youth come together to patrol the streets, fostering a sense of security and unity. These efforts not only help to deter crime but also encourage residents to engage with one another, creating a supportive network in a time of need.

In addition to these proactive measures, Mohamed Jama has collaborated with local leaders, business owners, and residents to host public safety meetings. These gatherings provide a platform for open discussion about the challenges facing the neighborhood and allow community members to brainstorm solutions together. “It’s important for everyone to have a voice,” Mohamed Jama says. “By working together, we can create a safer environment for our families.”

Mentorship and Empowerment

At the core of Mohamed’s mission is his commitment to mentoring the youth. He understands that young people in the community are particularly affected by the climate of fear and uncertainty. Through Youth Legacy, Mohamed Jama provides mentorship programs that encourage personal growth, resilience, and leadership skills. He meets with young people regularly, offering guidance and support in navigating their challenges.

Recognizing a lack of structured programs and safe spaces for youth, Mohamed Jama is in the process of launching an after-school program designed to provide engaging activities and a positive environment for young people. “We want to give them options—something to look forward to after school,” he explains. “We need to create youth-friendly spaces where they feel safe and valued.”

Building a Generational Legacy of Hope

Mohamed Jama’s efforts extend beyond immediate safety concerns; he aims to foster a long-lasting legacy of hope and empowerment in Whittier. Through community clean-up events, he encourages youth and residents to take pride in their surroundings, instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility for the neighborhood.

Despite the challenges, Mohamed Jama remains optimistic. “Change takes time, but every small action counts. I believe in the power of community,” he emphasizes. His vision is clear: to transform Whittier into a place where all youth and families can thrive, free from fear and violence.

Mohamed Jama’s unwavering dedication to his community serves as an inspiring reminder of what one person can accomplish when fueled by passion and a desire to uplift others. As he continues to lead initiatives that focus on safety, mentorship, and community engagement, Mohamed Jama is not just making a difference—he is paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation in Whittier.

Photos by Abdirahman Mukhtar (Tusmo Times)

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