As we reach mid-August and our last few weeks of summer before Labor Day, it is important to realize the dangers that can be prevalent in the freedom and carefree fun that summer can offer to the youth. This can lead to the increase or initiation of alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine usage. Several factors can contribute to this increase:
- More social gatherings: Barbecues, pool parties, festivals, and beach days increase exposure to alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine.
- Increased unsupervised time: School breaks and parents’ work schedules give teens more opportunities to be alone with friends without adult supervision.
- Peer influence: Teens often get alcohol from friends or family; social pressure to “fit in” can lead to binge drinking.
- Mental health and stress: Some teens use alcohol or cannabis to cope with anxiety, depression, or social isolation.
According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Internal Medicine, the prevalence of initiation of alcohol, tobacco products, and cannabis is estimated to be highest in summer months among adolescents and college students1
Every day, more than 11,000 kids will try alcohol for the first time during the months of June, July, and August.
Using a drug for the first time can place individuals at unique risk as new initiates may be unfamiliar with drug effects. This can lead to sickness, alcohol poisoning, greening out, overdose, or even death.
Rather than stopping your kids from going to summer events altogether or spending time with their friends, use this time as an opportunity to openly discuss the dangers of substance misuse. Children respect what their parents, caregivers, or guardians have to say when it comes to serious matters such as alcohol, cannabis or other drugs – more so than you may realize. How do you talk to your teen?
Not only is summer an ample time to speak with your child, but school will also begin, which is the perfect time to have this talk about the dangers of substance use. The earlier, the better!
Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay cool in these last hot and humid weeks before the hustle and bustle of the school year begins! It will be here before we know it! We look forward to seeing all your kids back in the classroom.
1 Palamar JJ, Rutherford C, Keyes KM. Summer as a Risk Factor for Drug Initiation. J Gen Intern Med. 2020 Mar;35(3):947-949. doi: 10.1007/s11606-019-05176-3. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31338794; PMCID: PMC7080950.