Teen Drug Use

Two reports from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration concerning teen drug use were recently released, revealing new information about when many teens first smoke pot, cigarettes and drink alcohol.

Summertime Teen Drug Use

June and July are popular months for around 11,000 kids between 12 and 17 to take their first drink of alcohol. The typical days the rest of the year (except for December) see an average 5,000 to 8,000 first-time drinkers.

An average 5,000 teens smoke cigarettes for the first time in June and July, as well. First-time marijuana use also increases to over 4,500 experimenting during the summer months, from an average of 3,000-4,000 adolescents the rest of the year.

Utah Juvenile Defense Attorneys Can Help

These numbers show how important it is for teens to have the right kind of diversions available to them during school breaks to help reduce teen drug use. Part of the problem with teen drug use is that it might precede other criminal behaviors later in life—and sometimes even during one’s youth. Juvenile courts are busy today trying to help rehabilitate teens who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and who may have committed other crimes.

If your teen is in the juvenile justice system, whether he suffers from substance abuse or not, it’s important that he receive vital legal service from an experienced Utah juvenile defense attorney. A top legal professional can give you and your child the best advice and defense possible, helping you both inside and outside the courtroom. Call a Utah juvenile defense attorney today to discuss your child’s legal dilemma.