YSAS Snapshot: Young women in youth alcohol and other drug services

In the past two years, two studies have been undertaken in the youth alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector1,2. These have found significant differences in the needs and characteristics of young men and women accessing youth AOD services. Uncovering these differences encouraged the researchers to analyse their data regarding gender more systematically. A brief account of the findings are presented in this snapshot. At the broadest level, the prevalence and severity of all psychosocial problems measured in both studies were considerably greater for young women. The only exception was criminal justice involvement.