Today, more teenage girls than boys are starting to use marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes. Research shows that parents are the most important influence in combating this trend. This week Emmy Award-Winning host Steve Adubato and a panel of experts examine the issue of girls and drugs and discuss what families need to know to guard against the dangers of teen drug abuse among girls.
Research shows that marijuana is most widely used by teenage girls. In recent years, girls have begun to catch up with, and even surpass, boys in other areas, such as alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use. This program examines girls’ vulnerability to risk factors for drug and alcohol use, which include low self-esteem in adolescence, depression and anxiety. Girls may also suffer unique consequences for their drug use. For example, girls who use drugs and alcohol are up to 63 percent more likely to become teen mothers. Friends have a substantial influence on teens overall, but girls are especially susceptible to peer pressure when it comes to drinking. Further, research shows that parents are the most important influence in their daughters’ decisions about drug use.
The first half looks at the problem, the prevalence and asks why girls turn to drugs.
This second half-hour examines the impact of the media and advertising on encouraging alcohol and other drug use among teens. Then the role of the family in treatment is an essential part of recovery for every teen. The teen talk about her road to recovery, her upcoming graduation from Daytop and what lies ahead. The panel also examines the role of parents in influencing their daughter’s decisions about drug use.
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Brian Gamarello |
Casey |
Linda Surks |
Kenya |
Guests
Brian Gamarello – Clinical Director at Daytop New Jersey, a not-for-profit adolescent substance abuse treatment and education program.
Casey – Who is currently in treatment at Daytop New Jersey.
Linda Surks – Who is a drug prevention specialist with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Middlesex County.
Kenya – Who is Unit Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Union County in Plainfield, New Jersey.
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