Gender and Drug and Alcohol Use, Abuse

Abstract

National data show that the gender gap in drug and alcohol use and abuse has closed. Across most age groups, males are more likely than females to report alcohol and drug use. However, among 12–17‐year‐olds, females are more likely to report prescription drug use, and alcohol consumption rates are similar among teenage males and females. Furthermore, gender differences exist in how males and females react to and are affected by various types of drugs as well as in the reasons for drug use. Substance abuse treatment is also briefly discussed.