Though the usage rates for illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine is much higher for men than women, but when it comes to prescription drug abuse, the trend gets reversed in the case for teenage girls.
The survey reports that nearly one in 10 teenage girls have been using a prescription drug to get high at least once in the past year. The ratio was close to 1 out of 13 for men.
The reason behind the abuse, according to federal officials, is apparently the unique pressures that the girls face to increase their confidence, reduce tension or to lose weight.
It was also noted that nearly 55 percent females are involved in the cases of emergency room visits involving prescription drugs. However, the same percentage declines to 35 percent for women in case of street drugs.
Officials also added that in case of men, the drug abuse is largely to get a kick or sensation. AP quotes John Walters, director of National Drug Control Policy as saying, "Too many Americans, and increasingly, too many young women simply do not know the addictive potential of these medicines."
The survey of prescription drugs, which was released Monday, was based on the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
