NCJ Number
112707
Date Published
1988
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This document provides information on the prevalence, patterns, causes, health risks, and treatment and prevention of substance abuse among girls.
Abstract
Use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances is reported by over half of the high school seniors in the United States. During the past few decades use of substances by girls has risen dramatically. Onset of substance abuse occurs before high school and peaks during adolescence. Early onset of abuses increases the likelihood of further involvement with substances. Substance use among girls generally occurs at lower rates than among boys. Among girls, substance use often proceeds from cigarettes to alcohol to marijuana to other illicit drugs. Parental attitudes toward and patterns of substance use influence those of their daughters. Other factors influencing substance use among girls include presence of family conflict, peer influences, sensation-seeking personality traits, and low commitment to school. Substance use frequently is associated with lowered school performance, nonconformist attitudes, and delinquent involvement. Social reasons and media influences also maybe a factor. Tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, narcotics, tranquilizers, inhalants, hallucinogens, stimulants, and cocaine can all have toxic effects if taken in large doses. Most adverse effects are greater among those who begin use at an early age, and risks of physical and psychological dependence are increased with early onset of use. Because all psychoactive drugs affect mood and thought processes, use is likely to interfere with learning. Treatment and prevention programs, including those offered by the Girls Clubs of America, and directions for future research are described. 145 references.