Source: Reuter

Study shows American girls turning to drugs, drink

WASHINGTON (Reuter) More and more American girls are
turning to drugs and alcohol, government researchers reported
Monday.

Girls are trying out drugs and drink at earlier ages, too,
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported.
``The study shows dramatic increases in initial use of
alcohol and drugs by girls aged 10 to 14 over the last three decades,''
it said in a statement.
``This landmark study tells us conclusively that substance
use is an increasingly significant problem for women in this
country, and it's a problem that is starting earlier and earlier
in girls' lives,'' said Nelba Chavez, administrator of the organization.
In the early 1960s about seven percent of new drinkers were
girls aged 10 to 14. But that rose to 31 percent by the early 1990s.
``Likewise, among girls reporting their first use of
marijuana in the early 60s only five percent were 10 to 14 years
olds; in the early 90s it has risen to 24 percent,'' the agency said.
In the 12 to 17 age group, as many girls as boys abuse
alcohol and drugs, although girls are more likely to abuse drugs
such as tranquilizers.

REUTER
Jim Rosenfield