Teens are more likely to try drugs in the summer, here's how to talk about drugs

New research has revealed that teens and adults are more likely to try drugs for the first time in the summer.

For the study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, the researchers badyzed information from more than 394,000 Americans aged 12 and over who participated in an annual drug use survey between 2011 and 2017.

Participants were asked if they had used some common drugs and what month and year they tried for the first time.

The results revealed that during the summer months, June, July and August, more people first tried drugs such as LSD, MDMA and cocaine, compared to other periods of the year.

The results showed that over one-third (34%) of those who had tried LSD had taken this drug for the first time this summer.

Just under a third (30%) of marijuana, 30% of ecstasy (also known as MDMA or Molly) and 28% of cocaine use started during the summer months .

READ MORE: What is laughing gas and what does it do to your body when it is inhaled?

Scientists have suggested some theories to explain the adoption of the drug in the early summer, including the fact that the results may be partly due to people who have more free time during this period.

Outdoor social events, such as festivals, are also more common in the summer and could increase the risk of exposure to drugs and the potential for teens to try them out.

"Parents and educators who care about their children need to educate them all year on the potential risks badociated with drug use, but special attention seems to be needed before or during the summer months, when the initiation rate goes up, "according to senior author Joseph Palamar. , Associate Professor, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, said in a statement.

The authors went on to warn that drug users who only appeared for the first time in the summer might not be aware of the potential effects of the drugs, which could expose them to a higher risk of harm.

READ MORE: MEPs debate the question of whether school day should start at 10am to help tired teenagers

The story continues

With that in mind, the summer holidays that have just started could be a good time for parents to discuss drugs with their children.

"Being able to talk to your children to prevent and limit potential substance abuse problems is essential, yet many parents feel unable to address the problem, in part because they feel uninformed and fear that their child knows more about drugs, they do, "says FRANK's Callum Jacobs on the Family Lives website.

"However, this is too important a matter to be under the rug – every parent needs to discover the facts about drugs so they can feel confident enough to talk to their kids."

The NHS has put together some tips for parents to address the sensitive subject with their children and teenagers.

Do not panic

It is understandable that parents can respond to panic and anger by discovering that their children have already used drugs. The NHS therefore advises you to wait until you feel calmer before discussing the subject.

They also suggest showing children love and concern rather than anger.

Do your homework on drugs

It is essential that parents are made aware of drugs so that they can talk to children in an informed way.

The national FRANK drug website is a reliable source of information on drugs.

Choose your moment

And as they are about to rush to the door, are not they? Similarly, if they are using drugs, do not confront them while they are feeling the effects of the drugs.

"It can be helpful to do this when the subject is covered in television programs or in news," the site advises.

Similarly, meals can be a good time to chat.

"It's often easier to have a conversation side by side, for example when driving a car, doing the dishes together or preparing a meal," the website adds.

Let them know your values

It is important for your children to know where you are in terms of drug use.

Express your views on drugs clearly and tell them what your limitations are. For example, you can say that you do not want drugs at home.

Avoid scaring tactics

The NHS advises to strike a balance between warning without alarmism.

"Teenagers often know more about drugs than you do, so there's nothing stopping you from saying," Smoking cannabis will kill you, "they explain.

"Highlighting that cannabis can cause mental health problems, especially if you start smoking it in your teens, could be more of a deterrent."

Know your child's friends

"Get to know your child's friends. Invite them home and take an interest in what's going on in their lives, "advises the NHS.

"If you have good reason to believe that your child's friends are involved in drugs, you may need to help your child find new friends."

Tell them that you are always there for them

As with any difficult subject, if your child knows you are there for him, he is more likely to be honest with you. Likewise, they will not just tell you what they think you want to hear.

Listen and speak

Although it is tempting to preach and make badumptions about what your child is doing, the NHS recommends not to do so.

Instead, they suggest encouraging them to tell you their experiences and try to listen without judging.

Do not give up

If your initial conversation is not going well, do not be discouraged.

"The opinion of parents matters to their children. Come back on the subject when they will be quieter, "advises the site.

Let them be responsible for their actions

Of course, parents try to help their children make the right choices, but in the end, it's up to them to say no to drugs.

"Make sure they know you support them, but it's up to them to make positive decisions," the site says.

To be realistic

While many teenagers experiment with drugs, only a small proportion will develop a drug problem.

For more information on support groups and consulting services, visit www.talktofrank.com or call the FRANK hotline at 0800 77 66 00.