Summer months offer relaxation and more free time for Kentucky’s youth. However, recovery care officials warn the summertime also presents more opportunities for substance use by children and adults. Officials with Addiction Recovery Care said first-time use and relapse rates have the potential to spike in the summer and offering quality care is a priority.

Data from the CDC shows between 2011 and 2021 more than 321,000 children lost their parents to a drug overdose. ARC West Region Chief Operating Officer Kevin Schmidt said the trauma from substance-related loss can cause future issues for young people.

“If you lose a parent to a drug overdose or to going to the penitentiary, being incarcerated, that’s traumatic for kids. If you take that and mix it with peer pressure, maybe kids in the neighborhood using, and then they find out that ‘hey if I drink a little bit or do something else it helps me not think about the bad things going on,’” said Schmidt.

Studies from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration show more than 11,000 youth drink for the first time on a typical June or July day. Schmidt said more free time creates more opportunities for exposure to substances.

“There’s more social gatherings and things happening. So, not only could that be a pitfall for young kids who may be experimenting with alcohol or drugs for the first time, but also it could be a pitfall for people who are in recovery as they have to learn to navigate social functions,” said Schmidt.

Officials said ARC’s recovery services, including inpatient and outpatient care, are available to anyone in need. People can call (606)-638-0938 for a free screening and referral to services suited to their needs.