FROM THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE REVIEW 7-31-2012 Contributed by Wilma Posted by:Sally--Wednesday, August 01, 2012

FROM THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE REVIEW 07-31-2012

Summer is Peak Time for Substance Abuse

Parents, watch out: Your kids ages 12 to 17 are more likely to start abusing substances during the summer than at other times of the year, according to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

On an average day in June or July, the report said, more than 11,000 adolescents use alcohol for the first time, with December being the only comparable month. During the rest of the year, 5,000 to 8,000 adolescents drink for the first time.


The pattern is the same with cigarettes, with about 5,000 youths smoking for the first time in June and July, compared with 3,000 to 4,000 the rest of the year.

It’s also the same with marijuana, which more than 4,500 youths start using on an average day in June and July, compared with 3,000 to 4,000 the rest of the year.

Experts say that the free time of summer, which often includes less adult supervision, leads to the increase in substance use. Administration officials recommend that parents talk to their kids about the dangers of substances. — Staff and wire reports