Gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens are 190% more likely to smoke, drink, and use injection drugs or cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine compared to straight youth. Lesbian teens are at highest risk (400%).

Researchers from the Western Psychiatric Institute based their results on 18 studies done between 1994 and 2006 about sexual orientation and the use of illegal substances in teenagers.

The study appears in the journal Addiction.

SunHawk Academy, a private boarding school for troubled teens in Utah, combines intense adolescent substance abuse recovery with academics. Learn more at www.sunhawkacademy.com.

Labels: abuse, gay_teens