Summer of Drugs: Substance Abuse During the Summer

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.