Summer often means a break from school and other responsibilities for teenagers and college students. Even parents will travel more and celebrate their children’s time off by attending special events. Unfortunately, these breaks and special occasions often inflict alcohol misuse or spark interest in drug experimenting. Summer or “the summer of drugs” can result in a person experiencing adverse side effects or overdose. Keep reading to learn some of the most popular drugs used in the summertime.
Teenage and College Drug Abuse
Sometimes students will risk their safety and overall health to enjoy their summer to the highest degree. Therefore, teenagers and college students resort to drugs which can easily lead to building tolerance and forming an addiction. Addiction can cause long-term health effects, mental health disorders, or overdose, which can end in death.
Teenage drug and alcohol abuse is a serious issue since it’s highly prevalent in America. For instance, high school students often misuse nicotine, which causes pounding in the ears, blurred vision, lung damage, and mouth sores. Both high school and college students are found smoking nicotine vapes during school hours, and summer increases use since there is usually less adult supervision.
During the “summer of drugs,” it’s not uncommon to see teenagers try or abuse marijuana. According to statistics on drug use in high school, 35% of 12th graders smoked cannabis (THC) in one year, and about one in sixteen school seniors use marijuana every day.1
Drug abuse in college students over the summer includes nicotine and marijuana, but also other severe substances, like illicit drugs, are abused. According to the national survey results, 5.2% of students have used hallucinations like LSD or acid, and 6% misuse cocaine.1 In addition, many reports prove both teenagers and college students abuse alcohol and even form a chronic drinking problem over the summer.
Other popular drugs in the summer include:
- Xanax
- Ecstasy/MDMA
- Methamphetamine
- Stimulants like Adderall
- Prescription medications for ADHD like Ritalin
Unlike these listed substances, residential rehabs are often not popular in the summer. However, if a teenager or young adult is expressing signs of addiction, a medically monitored detox is highly recommended to avoid long-term health complications. The common withdrawal symptoms of these drugs include excessive sweating, high blood pressure, or fever. Therefore, seeking medical care is advised for safety and overall health cautions.
How to Have a Sober Summer
To avoid negative impacts on the brain and body from substance abuse, try new ways to have fun during the summertime. You don’t have to have a summer of drugs and the emotional instability that may follow the misuse to have a good time! Here are some ways to enjoy summer and sustain sobriety:
- Yoga
- Journaling
- Volunteering
- Make mocktails
- Cooking or baking
- Attend local events
- Keep a support group
- Try out new activities
- Practice an instrument
- Listen to positive podcasts
- Stay active, try new exercises
- Make sure to rest to stress less
Be mindful of your time and stick to a schedule if that helps you to remain sober during the summer. If you are a concerned parent or loved one who is witnessing addiction, then consider intervention services to help encourage the individual to seek help and recover.
Recovery at Our Southern California Rehab
Whether you are battling alcohol addiction or in need of prescription drug addiction treatment, Banyan Treatment Centers Palm Springs has you covered. We pride ourselves on maintaining a clean and secure environment during the recovery process and helping patients practice new skills to prevent relapse. From summer treatment programs to services provided all throughout the year, we design a plan that best fits your recovery goals.
Speak to a specialist at Banyan Palm Springs by calling 888-280-4763 today. Ask about our residential treatment program to get started!
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