Thaindian News

June 30, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): The ‘Partnership for a Drug Free America’ has revealed data, which shows that the teenage girls are drinking more than the boys now. In fact, the girls are turning to drugs and alcohol more than the boys.

The 2009 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) has done a survey of the teen attitudes and behaviors. An analysis of the study has shown that middle and high-school girls were found drinking 11 percent more than last year. The number has increased from 53 percent to 59 percent in girls while the boys have maintained the same level. The figures are not a sudden upsweep but indicate a long-term trend.

The rate of girls taking alcohol in 2005 had increased to 58% as per the survey. Again, it fell back to 55% in 2007 and to 53% in 2008.

An ongoing study ‘Monitoring the Future’ monitors the attitudes and habits of young Americans. They also supervise the students who admitted being drunk. And the number has changed radically in 30 days for boys compared to the girls.

The researchers have found a close in the gender gap when it comes to underage-drinking interventions. And the number of girls getting involved is increasing day by day. The researchers assumed that the reason behind this change is the appearance of more products in the market, which makes drinking easier and tastier. The sugary beverages known as ‘alco-pop’ are also popular.

Executive director of the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth, David Jerigan said, “In the last 10 to 12 years, a new range of products have come up, which are targeted at the young females. Like a functional food, alcohol is being sold to the girls with information on calorie. These are featured as drink with health benefits and drink of fitness.”

The Partnership for a Drug Free America study shows that girls take up drugs and alcohol to stay away from problems and relieve stress.

The research conducted on the adolescent brain has revealed that there are major differences between males and females. According to the study, the girls are neurologically more sensitive to emotional stress. In parts of the brain, the girls mature earlier than the boys. The increased sensitivity combined with calm attitudes and easier access to alcohol, may elucidate the difference between boys and girls in case of drinking.