Factors Put Children At Risk for ATOD Abuse

School

Availability of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
Negative feelings toward school
Frequent truancy or suspension
High transitory population
Poor academic achievement
Students labeled as classified or “at risk”

Individual and Peer Risk Factors

Early first use
Friends who use tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
Favorable attitudes toward drug use
Greater reliance on peers than parents
Early anti-social behavior
Alienation and rebelliousness
Depression

Family Risk Factors

Condoning teen use of alcohol and other drugs
Parental misuse of alcohol and/or other drugs
Low expectation of children’s success
Family management problems
Poverty

Community Risk Factors

Easy availability of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs
Community laws and norms favorable to misuse
Lack of employment opportunities or youth involvement in activities
Economic and social deprivation