Risk Factors for Teen Drug Use

 

Risk Factors for Teen Drug Use

According to the DEA, there are certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood that a teen will use drugs. The more risk factors present, the more likely they may be to use drugs and develop problems.

In populations across the world, about 10% of people have a predisposition to alcohol and drug addiction. But...predisposition does not have to mean predetermined!

Some of the biggest determinants of alcohol and drug use are the belief that the substance is not harmful and the availability of the substance(s).

Protective Factors can mediate - such as the sharing beliefs of a community, informative messaging, and positive role modeling about alcohol and drug use and abuse. 

Red Ribbon Month in October is the time to share accurate messaging and have meaningful discussion with youth about the use of alcohol and drugs. Mind and mood-altering drugs are frequently a cover-up for not dealing with feelings in a healthy way. 

Parents - talk to your kids and they will talk to you! 

For tips on how to talk to your kids and for info about local events like the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 29th at Lake Mirror offering lots of healthy family fun, visit www.inneractalliance.org, www.redribbonrun.com, and our prevention partners at www.informedfamilies.org. We are here to help!