Summer 😎 & Substance Use 💊: What to Know and How to Help

Summer is often seen as a break from the grind—no early alarms, fewer responsibilities, and more time to relax. But with less structure and more downtime, summer can also be a period when risk-taking increases—including experimentation with drugs and alcohol.

As a therapist who works with adolescents and young adults, I often see summer as a time when my clients have more time to relax, recharge, visit loved ones, and engage more frequently in activities that are meaningful to them. However, particularly for younger clients, it can also be a time when healthy routines slip, peer influence ramps up, and opportunities for unsupervised experimentation multiply. Understanding why substance use may spike during this time—and how to respond—can help parents and teens navigate the season more safely and intentionally.

☀️ Why Summer Can Increase Risk

1. Less Structure = More Opportunity Without the regular routine of school, idle time increases. Boredom and curiosity can quickly turn into risk-taking, especially if there are few meaningful alternative ways to fill time (think: sports practices or camps, service trips, family vacations, volunteer hours, summer jobs.

2. Social Gatherings and Social Pressure Camping trips, concerts, pool parties—summer often brings more chances to socialize. While these can be healthy and fun, they can also introduce environments where drugs or alcohol are present and social pressure is high.

3. Increased Independence Especially with the increased freedom driving brings (or, in the case of Boulder, e-biking around town), staying out later, or spending more nights away from home, there may be greater exposure to certain choices and risks.

This doesn't mean you need to over-structure your teen's summer schedule or limit independence and friend time in an attempt to reduce risk. Rather, consider having healthy, open conversation about expectations and boundaries as well as about handling risk and social pressure so your teen is more equipped if difficult situations do arise.

⚠️ Signs to Watch For

Substance use doesn't always look like what parents expect. Warning signs might include:

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Sudden shifts in friend groups

• Withdrawing from family activities

• Withdrawing from typically valued activities

• Secretive behavior or dishonesty

• Mood swings or irritability

• Drop in motivation or hygiene

These signs don’t always point to substance use. In fact, many can be signs of underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. However, they are signals worth paying attention to and discussing openly in order to get your teen the help and support that;s needed.

📞 Opt for Open Conversation Over Lecturing 👩🏼‍🏫

It’s normal for parents to feel anxious about these possibilities—but conversations about substance use don’t have to be confrontational. In fact, the most effective ones often aren’t.

Here are a few tips for starting the conversation:

• Stay curious, not accusatory:“I’ve noticed you’ve been hanging with a new group—how has that been going?”

• Lead with concern, not judgment:“I just want to make sure you’re safe and feeling supported...how can I help?”

• Keep the door open:“I want you to know you can always come to me if you’re in a situation you don’t know how to handle—even if it’s about drugs or alcohol.”

🏋 Encouraging 🏕️ Healthy ✈️ Alternatives 🏀

Summer can also be a time for growth, discovery, and connection. Encouraging your teen to find structure in their days—whether through a part-time job, volunteering, summer programs, or creative outlets—can reduce boredom and increase protective factors.

😰 If You’re Concerned

If you suspect your teen is using substances or struggling with peer pressure, you're not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy can offer a supportive, confidential space for teens to explore what’s going on beneath the surface. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, identity confusion, or the simple desire to fit in, these underlying factors often drive risk-taking behavior.

Working with a mental health professional can also support families in rebuilding trust and improving communication—so that your teen knows home is a safe place to land, no matter what.

Summer is a unique season in a teen’s life—full of potential, freedom, and vulnerability. By staying connected, creating opportunities for growth, and having open conversations, families can make the most of the season while minimizing the risks.

If you're a parent or teen looking for support navigating this summer season, I’m here to help! Use the "Request Appt" tool in the upper righthand corner or email me directly at kelli@drkellitahaney.com.

Resources for Support

Whether you’re looking for general information or local services in Boulder, CO — here are reliable resources for teens, parents, and families:

📘 National Resources (online / 24/7 support)

• SAMHSA Treatment Locator – National, confidential database to find local substance-use and mental‑health services

• NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine – Free peer‑support via phone/text/chat Mon–Fri, 10 a–10 p ET at 1‑800‑950‑6264 or text Friend to 62640

• Teen Line – Anonymous peer-to-peer support: call 800‑852‑8336 or text 839‑863 (6–10 p PST)

• SMART Recovery – Non‑religious mutual‑support meetings with local options

• AA or NA – Search for "young people's" meetings. Online and in-person (may need to navigate to AA/NA site for your geographic area) meetings are available.

🏠 Boulder‑Area Resources

These are accessible with or without insurance and tailored to teens and families:

1. Mental Health Partners (MHP) Walk‑in crisis & addiction services open 24/7, including detox, outpatient, group therapy, and youth programming.📍 3180 Airport Road, Boulder, CO • 303‑443‑8500

2. NAMI Boulder  – Mental Health resources in the Boulder area

3. FullCircle Program (Boulder) Peer support, 12‑step groups, sober socials, individual sessions—no cost for teens, young adults, and parents.📍 4939 N Broadway #59 • (720) 787‑7996

4. Boulder Substance Use & Mental Health Resources Search addiction and MH resources in the Boulder area via Recovery.com

5. BVSD Mental Health Services Free counseling, crisis intervention, and family education via school-based providers. Phone: 303‑447‑1010

6. The Redpoint Center (Outpatient for Teens) Intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial‑hospital programs treating substance-use and co-occurring disorders

7. Denver Health Addiction Treatment Services

8. Porchlight Boulder MAT (Medications for Addiction Treatment) Services in Boulder

   
   

✅ How to Choose What’s Best

• In crisis/harm to self or others? Call 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (text/call 988), stop by MHP’s walk-in center, or go to an Emergency Department. Denver Health (30-45min drive from Boulder) has excellent substance use treatment programs and resources.

• Exploring or early signs? Try peer support (FullCircle, SMART Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous - search mtgs for young people), early‑intervention programs, or talk to school counselors or therapists like myself (request a consult appointment with the turquoise button on the top right of this page).

• Treatment needed? Inquire with MHP, Redpoint, Denver Health, Porchlight Boulder, or request a consult appointment with me. Even if I'm not the best fit I can help guide you to other resources or treatment centers that are.

  
  

Staying Connected & Proactive

• Follow-up is key: Don’t just connect once—build ongoing engagement with peers, counselors, and trusted adults.

• Normalize help-seeking: Encourage conversations like “It’s OK to ask for help” and model that behavior.

• Parent involvement matters: Participate in support groups and therapy with your teen to reinforce trust and communication.