Report on Seasonal Patterns in Substance Misuse and Their Relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Substance misuse remains a critical public health issue throughout the year, with evidence indicating increased risks during warmer months. This report examines recent research findings on the seasonal dynamics of substance use disorders (SUDs) and substance misuse, emphasizing their implications for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

1. Increased Initiation of Drug and Alcohol Use During Summer

A national study published in 2017 highlights summer as a high-risk period for first-time drug use:

1. Over one-third (34%) of first-time LSD use occurs in summer.
2. Nearly one-third (30.4%) of first-time cannabis use occurs during this season.
3. More than one-quarter of first-time ecstasy/MDMA (29.8%) and cocaine use (27.5%) also occur in summer.

These patterns are consistent across demographics, with some variations such as lower cocaine initiation among Black individuals during summer. Understanding these seasonal trends supports targeted prevention strategies aligned with SDG 3, which aims to reduce substance abuse and promote mental health.

2. Heat-Related Increase in Hospital Visits for Substance-Related Issues

A 2023 study analyzing New York State data found a significant correlation between rising temperatures and emergency room visits related to alcohol and drug use:

• Alcohol-related hospital visits increased by nearly 25% as temperatures rose to approximately 66°F (19°C).
• Substance-related visits, including those involving cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and sedatives, increased by nearly 38% at around 51°F (11°C).
• These trends were consistent across age, sex, and social vulnerability levels.

This evidence underscores the need for climate-adaptive health interventions, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 3 by addressing the health impacts of rising temperatures on vulnerable populations.

3. Seasonal and Climatic Influences on Adult Alcohol Consumption

Research indicates that alcohol use among adults correlates positively with temperature both seasonally and across different climates:

• A 2021 study analyzing urine drug tests over seven years found peak alcohol use in summer, particularly among men aged 45 to 64.
• A 2024 study in Mexican cities revealed that for every 1°C increase in average annual temperature, binge drinking rose by nearly 1% among adults over 18.

These findings highlight the intersection of environmental factors and public health behaviors, reinforcing the importance of integrating climate considerations into health promotion efforts under SDG 3 and SDG 13.

4. Variability in Seasonal Substance Use Patterns Across Populations

Not all demographic groups exhibit increased substance use during summer. For example, a 2016 study of college freshmen showed a 29% decrease in alcohol use during summer months, with consumption peaking during on-campus events and rising again in the fall. This illustrates the influence of social context on substance use behaviors.

Recognizing such variability is essential for designing inclusive prevention and intervention programs that contribute to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing diverse population needs.

Recommendations for Supporting Sustainable Development Goals

1. Enhance Prevention Programs: Develop targeted seasonal prevention initiatives focusing on high-risk periods such as summer to reduce initiation of substance use (SDG 3).
2. Integrate Climate and Health Policies: Incorporate climate adaptation strategies in public health planning to mitigate heat-related increases in substance misuse and hospitalizations (SDG 13, SDG 3).
3. Promote Community Engagement: Foster community-based interventions that consider social contexts and demographic differences to effectively address substance use patterns (SDG 10, SDG 11).
4. Support Research and Data Collection: Continue to monitor seasonal and climatic influences on substance use to inform evidence-based policies and programs (SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).

Conclusion

The seasonal increase in substance misuse during warmer months presents significant challenges to public health and sustainable development. Addressing these challenges through informed prevention, climate-responsive health strategies, and inclusive community programs aligns with multiple SDGs, particularly those focused on health, climate action, and reducing inequalities. Continued research and collaborative efforts are vital to mitigating the impact of substance misuse and advancing global sustainable development objectives.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs), which directly relate to health and well-being.
   • It discusses hospital visits related to alcohol and drug use, highlighting health risks and the need for prevention and treatment.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions social events, outdoor festivals, and community contexts influencing substance use patterns, which relate to creating safe and healthy urban environments.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article links rising temperatures and climate factors to increased substance use and related health risks, connecting climate change impacts to public health.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, which includes addressing substance misuse.
2. SDG 11 Targets:
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces, which can influence social behaviors including substance use patterns.
3. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, including health impacts related to heat and substance misuse.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 3:
   • Rate of first-time drug use by substance (e.g., LSD, cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine) during specific seasons.
   • Number and percentage increase of hospital visits related to alcohol and substance use disorders correlated with temperature changes.
   • Prevalence of binge drinking and alcohol use in different age groups and climates.
2. Indicators related to SDG 11:
   • Frequency and context of social events and outdoor festivals linked to substance use patterns.
   • Access to safe community spaces that may reduce risky substance use behaviors.
3. Indicators related to SDG 13:
   • Temperature variations and their correlation with substance use-related hospital visits.
   • Changes in substance use patterns in response to climate and seasonal heat increases.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: abc17news.com