Drug abuse studies reveal that, while boys often experiment with cigarettes, alcohol and drugs because they are looking for thrills or heightened social status, girls are typically motivated by a desire to reduce stress or alleviate depression. It also seems that substance abuse is more prevalent for girls who reached puberty early, experienced eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia, bingeing and purging), or if they were ever physically or sexually abused.

The likelihood of using cigarettes, alcohol or drugs also increases for girls during times of disruptive transition, for example, moving to a new community, or advancing from middle school to high school or from high school to college.

Additionally, studies are more and more inclined to support the idea of separate treatment centers for women, now found in such facilities as the Betty Ford Center, since female substance abusers who were victims of physical abuse may not respond well to a group with men.