Additional conclusions can be drawn regarding gender differences in alcohol sensitivity by examining physiological developmental transitions. For instance, the profound physical and hormonal changes during puberty result in increased body fat among girls and increased muscle mass among boys. Girls therefore have a smaller volume of water than boys in which to distribute ethanol. Thus, girls experience a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in comparison to their male counterparts when given a dose of ethanol that is proportionate to body weight (NIAAA, 1993). Young et al.’s (2002) previously discussed study adds a subjective layer to these objective physiological differences. First, consistent with the animal studies, alcohol abusing and dependent teens rarely endorsed symptom items of ‘withdrawal’ or ‘continued use despite physical or psychological problems.’ Secondly, gender differences were detected within both the alcohol users (i.e., social drinkers) and abuse/dependence groups. Tolerance rates were significantly higher for male than female youth.
