A new study reported by CNN Health has brought to light that summer is the season when young people begin to experiment with cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, marijuana, and other drugs. Fun in the sun increasingly includes both new and increased drug use. Researchers also have found that young men and women are more likely to try so-called party drugs during the summer. In fact, over a third of LSD, approximately 30% of ecstasy and marijuana, and also 28% of cocaine use comes with and continues throughout the summer holiday.
This is something all parents, educators and healthcare workers should keep in mind. The reasons vary, as Dr. Joseph Palamar, the study’s lead author and associate professor of population health at NYU School of Medicine points out. “[Young] People aren’t working like crazy” and maybe because the weather is warmer [they] might be hanging out with more people. Palamar adds that “These days the festival scene is huge; and that [excitement] combined with high temperatures could make first-time drug use particularly risky.”
The risk: The study shows that using a drug for the first time presents a particular danger, especially if the use is unplanned, or if the person is taking a drug that he or she is unfamiliar with. The study also found some party drugs require preparation before use, for example, a drug like ecstasy requires adequate rest and hydration to avoid a visit to the emergency room. Heat stroke and death are a real possibility as temperatures rise and people are partying hard.
As we approach the end of summer, it’s important to take into account this study’s findings and see that our children are made aware of the risks they take before they: “ … rise up singing And spread their wings and take to the sky.”* *Words adapted from Summertime, Songwriters: Du Bose Heyward / George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Source: CNN Health
Comments