This report provides an analysis of recent findings on drug and alcohol use trends among girls. Data indicate that girls have caught up with boys in illicit drug and alcohol use and have actually surpassed boys in cigarette and prescription drug use. Also, more girls than boys are new users of substances. Marijuana is the illicit drug most widely used by girls. Studies show that girls' issues with self-esteem and body image can lead to substance abuse. Teenage girls are vulnerable to many unique physical, psychological and social risk factors for drug and alcohol abuse, including depression, anxiety, excessive concerns about weight and appearance, risky sexual behavior, early puberty, psychiatric or conduct disorders, and physical or sexual abuse. Research shows that parents are the most important influence in their daughters' decisions about drug use. An annotated list of references relating to the following topics concludes this report: (1) Substance Abuse Prevalence Rates among Adolescent Girls; (2) Adolescent Girls' Unique Vulnerabilities for Drug Use; (3) Impaired Judgment and Drug Use; (4) Low Self-Esteem and Drug Use; (5) Consequences of Drug Use; and (6) Parents' Positive Influence. (Contains 4 figures.)