Report: Females Get Addicted Faster than MalesFebruary 6, 2003
Research Summary
A new study finds that girls and young women get addicted to alcohol and other drugs much faster than boys, the Associated Press reported Feb. 5."They get hooked faster, they get hooked using lesser amounts of alcohol and [other] drugs and cocaine, and they suffer the consequences faster and more severely," said Joseph A. Califano Jr., chairman of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.
The nationwide survey of females aged 8 to 22 was conducted over three years. It found that girls tend to experiment with drugs if they reach puberty early, have eating disorders, want to reduce stress or alleviate depression, or have been physically or sexually abused.
On the other hand, boys typically try drugs for thrills or heightened social status.
Califano said that the findings suggest that treatment be designed to address this gender gap. He added that some traditional prevention methods might be the wrong approach for females.
"With some exceptions the substance-abuse prevention programs have really been designed with a unisex, one-size-fits-both-sexes mentality," Califano said. "We have not put together prevention programs that go to the things that influence girls and influence young women. We now know that girls are different than boys -- let's recognize it and let's help them."
The study also recommends that parents, educators, and doctors boost preventive efforts with girls who fall into the various risk categories.
Boston University School of Public Health 
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