Girls More Likely to Perceive Benefits in Drug and Alcohol Use

By Chrissie Dziembowski

Survey data released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America^® and MetLife Foundation found that teenage girls are more likely than teenage boys to perceive potential benefits from drug use and drinking, making teen girls more vulnerable to drug and alcohol abuse.

According to a new research analysis of the 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), sponsored by MetLife Foundation:

• Teen girls are more likely to perceive self-medicating benefits with drinking and getting high.
  
  
• More than two-thirds of teen girls responded positively to the question using drugs helps kids deal with problems at home�.
  
  
• More than half reported that drugs help teens forget their troubles.

What Can Parents Do?

Research consistently shows that kids who learn a lot about the dangers of drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use than those who do not get that crucial message at home. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take charge of the communication with their families, have frequent, ongoing conversations with their pre-teens and teens about the dangers of drugs and alcohol use and to take early action if they think their child is using or might have a problem.

For tips on how to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol visit Time to Act where you can also sign up for their emails to receive news, tips and tools on raising healthy kids.