With school out for the summer, experts in Mobile are warning that adolescent drug use can rise when teens have more unsupervised free time.
“90% of addiction begins during the teen years,” said Virginia Guy, executive director of the Drug Education Council in Mobile. She noted that teens are sometimes more likely to experiment when they have long, unstructured days.
The concern is not limited to Alabama. Just last week, 18-year-old John Coker was arrested by the Escambia County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office in connection with several shootings authorities say were linked to a drug transaction dispute.
Tim Wills, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama, said the summer break removes about six and a half hours a day that teens would normally spend in school. The club stays open 10 hours a day in the summer to give young people a safe place to go, and helps connect teens with jobs.
Experts suggest parents get to know their children, their friends and their friends’ parents. The Drug Education Council also offers anonymous, free juvenile drug testing at its Mobile location, with appointments available in Baldwin County — a tool the council says can help parents intervene early.