Study: Summer Heats Up Teen Drug Experimentation

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A new federal survey says more teens experiment with marijuana and alcohol in the summer because they have more time on their hands and are less supervised, the Associated Press reported June 5.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, June and July are the most popular time for teens to experiment with marijuana, with about 6,300 new users a day during those months. During other times of the year, there are about 4,700 new users a day.

The study also said that teens are more likely to use alcohol and cigarettes for the first time in the summer.

In addressing a group of high-school students in Chicago, Ill., John Walters, head of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, announced a new anti-marijuana campaign titled, "School's Out," which provides parents with basic prevention guidelines such as setting rules, monitoring teen activity, and scheduling family time.