Teen Girls Say Kids More Likely To Drink, Do Drugs To Cope

Teen girls are more likely than teen boys to identify potential benefits from drugs and alcohol, says a study released today by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

In the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, more than two-thirds of teen girls reported that using drugs helps kids cope with problems at home, and half said drugs help teens forget troubles. The nationwide study, paid for by MetLife Foundation, surveyed 3,287 teenagers in grades nine to 12 in private and public schools.

People should not believe girls are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than boys, says Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of Partnership for a Drug-Free America. The partnership’s research shows alcohol and marijuana use increasing among girls and boys alike.

https://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-06-29-teenalcoholuse29_ST_N.htm