Individual/ Peer Risk Factors

• Early first use
• Friends who use tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
• Favorable attitudes towards drug use
• Greater reliance on peers than parents
• Early anti-social behavior
• Alienation from peers
• Rebelliousness toward authority
•  

Family Risk Factors

• Condoning teen use of alcohol and other drugs
• Parental/sibling misuse of alcohol and other drugs
• Low expectations of children's success
• Family history of alcoholism
• Family problems

Community Risk Factors

• Accessibility of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
• Minimal sense of community
• Lack of employment opportunities
• Economic and social deprivation
• Lack of community youth programs

*Not every child with multiple risk factors becomes a substance abuser.
   

Prevention 

• Promoting Protective Factors
• The greater number of protective factors in children's lives, the more likely they are to develop resiliency in their lives.

Individual / Peer Protective Factors

• Involvement in drug and alcohol free activities
• Association with established youth groups
• Respect for authority
• Appreciation for the unique talents of others

Family Protective Factors

• Values and encourages education
• Develops close bonding with child
• Has clear and reasonable expectations for child
• Encourages supportive relationships with caring adults
• Spends quality time with children

Community Protective Factors

• Involvement with youth
• Provides supportive networks and social bonds
• Provides access to resources