Sharon A. Hersh

In a recent survey, 80 percent of young women in high school reported having had at least one drink
and 50 percent reported current alcohol use.  Statistics suggest that four out of every five 
high-school girls and three out of five middle-school girls will use some type of drug or alcohol
this weekend.  Studies also indicate that when a girl chooses to use substances, peer pressure 
is the biggest reason why.
Many parents believe the best they can do is to teach their daughters right from wrong and 
hope for the best.  But there is more that you can do.  Because while peer pressure may be the 
biggest influence for girls who choose to use substances, parental involvement is the single
most important factor for those who decide not to.