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There’s no denying that boys and girls are different. Differences between the sexes become more obvious with the onset of puberty.  So do boys’ and girls’ needs when it comes to resisting alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use. Boys and girls experience adolescence differently because of various social, cultural, physiological, and psychological challenges. For example, among boys, puberty tends to increase aggressive behavior, while among girls puberty tends to bring a higher incidence of depression.

But boys and girls also have a lot in common. They need the same kinds of guidance, information, and nurture from their parents to help them grow into healthy, well-informed adolescents and adults. Both boys and girls are less likely to smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs if they have:

·      A positive attitude, an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and a belief in their ability to “handle things.”

·      A warm, close-knit family and parental supervision with consistent discipline.

·      Close friends, an extended family that provides support, community resources, and family and community attitudes that do not tolerate substance abuse.

Parent drug resource details helpful informaton.