National Anti-Drug Strategy
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Drug Prevention for Parents > Observe
Your Kids
Certain factors can help determine whether or not a person is at risk of developing a drug problem. Factors that decrease the chance of someone abusing drugs are called "protective" factors, and factors that increase their risk for drug abuse are called "risk" factors. Some of these factors are listed below.
It's important to know that most individuals at risk of drug abuse do not start using or become addicted. Just because someone has more risk factors in their life does not mean they will automatically develop a drug problem.
| Protective Factors |
Risk Factors |
| Individual |
- High self-esteem and confidence
- Positive outlook/ attitude about life and their future.
- Participation in organized social activities such as sports or music.
- Good problem solving and decision making skills
- Good social skills, such as assertiveness and/or communication
- High expectations of themselves
- Feel supported by their friends and adults around them
- Flexible to change
|
- Poor social skills
- Antisocial behaviour
- Low opinion of themselves
- Impulsive behaviour
- Hostile and aggressive behaviour
- Learning difficulties
- Genetic predisposition
- Being a teen parent
- Victim of or exposure to violence
- Poor refusal skills
- Positive view of drug use
- Mental health problem
- Start using drugs at an early age
|
| Friends |
- Good relationship with peers
- Friends involved in positive peer group activities (ex. arts, sports, music)
- Parents approve of friends
|
- Gang involvement
- Friends with positive attitudes about drug use
- Drug-abusing friends
- Peer rejection
|
| Family |
- Good relationship with parents and strong family bond
- Supportive parents/ guardians
- Family trust
- Parents/ guardians are involved in their life
- Family has clear rules and consistent consequences
- Parents/ guardians provide guidelines and set realistic limits for youth
|
- Family history of drug and alcohol abuse
- Maltreatment by family
- Family violence
- Poor bonding, nurturing and support in family
- Chaotic home environment
- Poor parental supervision/ monitoring
- Frequent family conflicts
- Parents with mental illness
|
| School |
- Supportive and caring school environment
- Clear standards and rules at school
- Strong school motivation/ positive attitude about school
- Good grades
- High expectations of students
- Opportunities for youth involvement (i.e. school clubs and sports)
- Good student bonds and sense of connectedness
|
- No involvement in school activities
- Negative attitude towards school
- Poor grades
- Learning disabilities
- Skipping class and/or frequent absences
- Suspension
- Negative, disorderly and unsafe school environment
- Dropping out of school
|
| Community |
- Caring and supportive community
- Safe environment
- Good neighbourhood connectedness
- High expectations of youth
- Community sponsored activities
- Religious based activities
|
- Availability/use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs in neighbourhood
- High-crime neighbourhood
- Poverty
- Feeling unsafe in neighbourhood
- No organized social activities for youth
- Feel no attachment to their community
|
Remember, each individual is in charge of their life. Each person decides how they will act and anyone can choose to act responsibly.
