Teenage girls more likely to be drug addicts: report

Valentin Ottone

Research emerging today is proving that teenage girls are far likelier to relate to the advantages of drinking alcohol and consuming drugs than their male counterparts – meaning that they might ignore the negative side-effects and health warnings which could result in addiction.

The findings come as the Partnership for a Drug-Free America reveals that over 50% of girls believe drugs could allow them to forget about the problems which they might have in their lives, such as depression, family troubles and exam stress. This undermines previous thoughts that girls were far less likely to be involved in substance abuse – and it has been sparking fears that not enough is being done to warn vulnerable young people of the dangers of addiction.

Because of how the body can be underdeveloped when young people start taking drugs, the toll that addictive substances have on the body can be more profound than what is seen in an adult.

Experts believe that girls are more likely to abuse prescription drugs because such substances are more accessible to them. There have been calls for both parents and teachers to promote open and honest relationships with young people in order to ensure they fully know the dangers that drugs can have, and how there are other options available to relieve stress.