An entire generation of parents and educators has pushed to "open doors" for girls, working to ensure that girls have many of the same opportunities as boys. But the new-found equality extends beyond career and education into some unfortunate territory.

"Teenage girls now equal or outpace teenage boys in alcohol consumption, drug use and smoking, national surveys show. The number of girls entering the juvenile justice system has risen steadily over the past few years."

Girls simultaneously talk about feeling empowered to attend almost any college or pursue any career they wish and also feeling free to explore the "party" scene, which typically includes clubs, alcohol and drugs. Now more than ever, girls need parents who are active in their lives, helping them navigate previously uncharted water. Read more at Charlotte.com.

Copper Canyon Academy is an all girls boarding school for troubled teen girls. Their beautiful campus in Rimrock, Arizona, offers a safe, structured environment for troubled teenage girls.

Labels: binge_drinking, girls, influences

At a national conference for substance abuse in Edmonton, Nancy Poole - a researcher for the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women urged conference attendees to begin developing programs that can meet the unique needs of women struggling to overcome addiction.

"As many as 80 per cent of women entering treatment programs also have histories of being abused or assaulted, and many use drugs or alcohol to try to cope, delegates were told."

Researchers have also found that women metabolize alcohol and nicotine differently than men. Add to that higher rates of childhood sexual abuse and violence suffered by women and the need for specialized programs becomes clear.

Copper Canyon Academy is a girls residential treatment program and private boarding school. Learn about their therapeutic program at CopperCanyonAcademy.com.

Labels: abuse, girls, treatment