Girls More Vulnerable to Substance Abuse?

Parents of teenage girls may be surprised to learn that their daughters may be more vulnerable to developing alcohol and drug problems than their male counterparts according to a survey by the Partnership for a Drug Free America. They are more susceptible to substance abuse because they are more likely to use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate.

Specifically, teen girls more than boys perceived the potential benefits of using drugs and alcohol.

The fact that girls, more than teenage boys think that drugs can help them deal with their problems was revealed in an analysis of the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study.

Girls More Likely to Turn to Drugs

Some of the findings of the study about teen girls included:

• 68% of girls said "using drugs helps kids deal with problems a home"


• 53% said drugs helped teens forget their problems"


• 59% of teen girls reported using alcohol


• Past year use of marijuana increased 29% from 2008 to 2009

Boys Drug Use Increasing

The report also foudn some disturbing trends among teenage boys:

• The percentage of boys who said "drugs help you relax socially" grew from 45% in 2008 to 52% in 2009


• 34% of boys said "parties are more fun with drugs"


• Use of marijuana increased among boys 15% between 2008 and 2009

Parents should pay close attention to their daughters' moods and mental health neds while addressing their worries and stresses. If parents suspect their teens are experimenting with drugs, they should take immediate action.

If you are concerned about your son or daughter using alcohol or drugs please call either the HopeLine 1 -800-567-4673 or Family Resource Centers 419-222-1168

Mike Schoenhofer