First-Time Use of Most Substances Peaks in June and July, Study Finds
Jul 02, 2012
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), whichreports on the nation’s adolescents’ substance use, recently conducted a new component in its annual survey called monthly variation in substance use initiation. The study asked respondents 12 or older who reported using various substances to indicate the year and month of first use of each substance. Including this information has helped the NSDUH to identify at risk time periods where first time drug use has increased or decreased based on the month.
Findings from the study include that first time use of most substances such as alcohol, tobacco products, and marijuana peaked during the summer months of June and July. The study also found:
On an average day during June, July, and December, more than 11,000 youths used alcohol for the first time; in other months the daily averaged ranged from about 5,000 to 8,000 new users per day,
In June and July, more than 4,800 youths used marijuana for the first time, whereas the daily average ranged from about 3,000 to 4,000 in other months.
On an average day in June or July, more than 5,000 youths smoked cigarettes for the first time; in othermonths, the daily average ranged from about 3,000 to 4,000 new users per day.
It’s no coincidence that the increase in substance abuse during June and July comes at a time where children are out of school and are possibly less supervised with more freedoms. The findings reiterate the need for parent and caregivers to reinforce the messages about the risks involved with using alcohol and drugs to their children year-round.
Learn more: Marijuana, Inhalants, Cocaine
Return to view all news
Source
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration