The document discusses substance abuse in girls and women from a developmental theory perspective. It explores how developmental theories seek to describe psychological, emotional, and perceptual changes throughout the lifespan and identify key stages and changes. For example, the transition to college involves defining oneself and exploring culture and intellect, which can expose students to increased substance use opportunities. The document asks the reader to examine how developmental theories may account for substance abuse in girls and women by researching use of a specific substance, considering the immediate and long-term effects of abuse, and explaining how theory accounts for abuse and a theory-based intervention.

1. Essay: Substance abuse in girls and women.
Essay: Substance abuse in girls and women.Essay: Substance abuse in girls and
women.Developmental theories, as discussed previously, seek to describe the psychological,
emotional, and perceptual changes people undergo during their life span. As such, these
theories attempt to identify key developmental stages and the changes that might occur. For
example, the transition to college frequently involves a search to define oneself in the
context of the larger world and an interest in both cultural and intellectual exploration. As
part of this process, students participate in new social interactions and may be exposed to
increased opportunities to participate in substance use and other high-risk behaviors.
Developmental theories attempt to provide points which explain healthy and unhealthy
behaviors that individuals choose. This week you examine how theories may account for
substance abuse in girls and women.For this Discussion, review the week’s Learning
Resources and choose a type of substance abuse (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, or
prescription drugs). Research girls’ and women’s use of the substance and consider how
developmental theory accounts for effects of this substance abuse. Also consider theory-
based interventions you might apply to these effects.With these thoughts in mind:Post by
Day 4 the substance abuse you selected. Describe two immediate and two long-term effects
of abuse of this substance. Explain how developmental theory accounts for the type of
substance abuse you selected in adolescent and adult females. Finally, explain one theory-
based intervention that may be used with adolescent or adult females to mitigate the long-
term effects you described.Be sure to your postings and responses with specific references
to the Learning Resources.READINGSThe National Center on Addiction and Substance
Abuse. (2006). Pathways to substance abuse among girls and women. Women under the
influence (pp. 1–17, 203–216). Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins.Fang, L., Schinke, S. P., & Cole,
K. C. (2009). Underage drinking among young adolescent girls: The role of family processes.
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 23(4), 708–714.Retrieved from the Walden Library
databases.Lehavot, K., & Simoni, J. M. (2011). The impact of minority stress on mental health
and substance use among sexual minority women. Journal of Consulting and Clinical
Psychology, 79(2), 159–170.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.McCrady, B. S.,
Epstein, E. E., Cook, S., Jensen, N. K., & Ladd, B. O. (2011). What do women want? Alcohol
treatment choices, treatment entry and retention. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 25(3),
521-529.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.Patrick, M. E., Schulenberg, J. E.,
O’Malley, P. M., Maggs, J. L., Kloska, D. D., Johnston, L. D., & Bachman, J. G. (2011). Age-related
changes in reasons for using alcohol and marijuana from ages 18 to 30 in a national sample.

2. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 25(2), 330–339.Retrieved from the Walden Library
databases.Squeglia, L. M., Spadoni, A. D., Infante, M. A., Myers, M. G., & Tapert, S. F. (2009).
Initiating moderate to heavy alcohol use predicts changes in neuropsychological functioning
for adolescent girls and boys. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 23(4), 715–722.Retrieved
from the Walden Library databases.Webb, L. (2009). Counting girls out: A review of suicide
among young substance misusers and gender difference implications in the evaluation of
risk. Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy, 16(2), 103–126.Retrieved from the Walden
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