February 9, 2006 -- Despite commonly held beliefs that boys are at higher risk for using illegal substances, recent data indicate that girls have caught up with boys in illicit drug and alcohol use and have actually surpassed boys in cigarette use. More girls are also starting to use illicit substances than boys.

Although substance use among teens has shown steady declines in the past few years, the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign is urging parents to be aware of the vulnerabilities unique to girls that can lead to substance abuse. 

According to the latest research:
• For the last two years that research is available (2003-2004), more teenage girls than boys started using marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes.

• When girls use illicit drugs, marijuana is the most commonly used substance.  In fact, girls use marijuana more than cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, methamphetamine and all other illicit drugs combined. 

• Adolescent girls are particularly susceptible to the physical and mental consequences of substance abuse, especially at a critical time in life, when their bodies and brains are still developing.

• Studies show that marijuana use may increase the risk of depression among girls. In fact, more than twice as many girls than boys reported having at least one major depressive episode in 2004.

• Girls may develop symptoms of nicotine addiction faster than boys.

• Adolescent girls who consume even moderate amounts of alcohol may experience disrupted growth and puberty.

For more informaton, read the full feature.