May 24, 2007 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said today that judging by the number of adolescents admitted for treatment of substance abuse disorders, girls are increasingly using drugs, including alcohol and inhalants, and are more likely than boys to have co-occuring psychiatric disorders. “As we continue to work on reducing youth drug use overall, we must pay special attention to the needs of teen girls,” said SAMHSA Administrator Terry Cline. “Because research shows that girls use alcohol and drugs to boost their confidence, reduce tension, and cope with problems, our prevention efforts must address those needs.” Marijuana was listed as the primary substance of abuse for 51 percent of female admissions for treatment and 72 percent of male admissions, and while alcohol and inhalants ranked second and third, respectively, for both boys and girls, these substances were more likely to the primary substances of abuse for girls. Cocaine, opiates, and other drugs accounted for about 14 percent of admissions for girls and 8 percent for boys. Psychiatric problems in addition to substance abuse problems were reported in 23 percent of the female admissions, compared with 18 percent of male admissions. The commonest referral for treatment for both sexes was the juvenile justice system, but admissions in which the client was referred by an individual such as a family member were more common for girls than for boys. The SAMHSA data are from the 2005 Adolescent Treatment Admissions by Gender, an annual compilation of data on demographic characteristics and substance abuse problems of persons admitted for treatment at facilities that receive public funding. The report is available on the web at http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k7/youthTX/youthTX.cfm. |
