Risk and protective factors are the family, social and school influences that have positive or negative effects on behavior of youth, especially in regard to alcohol or drug use, violence, or sexual activity. 

   The more “risk factors” a person has, for example, families which are in high and chronic states of tension and conflict,  the higher the likelihood of alcohol or drug abuse.  The more “protective factors” a person has, for example, family bonding, the less the likelihood of alcohol/drug abuse or delinquent behavior.

HERE ARE THE PRIMARY RISK FACTORS 
TO REDUCE IN YOUR FAMILY:

1)      Perception of harm:  When perception of harm from drinking goes down (when youth start believing that alcohol isn’t dangerous), then drinking and drunkenness increase.

2)      When disapproval of use by parents or friends decreases (when parents or friends don’t care if a teen drinks), then drinking increases. 

3)      Having friends who drink or use drugs is a great risk factor for your own teenager. Peer influence has been found in many studies to begin the slide into heavy  drinking and drugging.

4)      When youth have parents who themselves have an alcohol or drug problem, chances are much higher that they will too (in fact, children of alcoholics have about four times the incidence of alcoholism as children from parents who are not  heavy drinkers).

5)     Accessibility and availability of alcohol are related to the onset of drinking.  If alcohol is not present, if it is hard to get, if it is not readily available, children are less tempted and less likely to drink if it simply isn’t around.

6)     Favorable attitudes toward alcohol:  When parents or friends see alcohol as “good” or actually encourage drinking, youth are more likely to begin.

7)   Family conflict:  All families have disagreements or an occasional argument, but when there is chronic stress, active disrespect, hollering and profanity, this is a risk factor for all members of the family.

8)      Personal characteristics:  Certain personal characteristics, including impulsiveness; rebelliousness and sensation seeking, are identified as risk factors which may make youth more likely to try alcohol and drugs.

1) Family bonding, attachment, cohesion and good communication.

2)  Healthy beliefs and clear standards of behavior.

3) Commitment to school and to academic achievement.

4) Attitudes and values against drinking and drug use, and a belief in what is right and wrong with an orientation to positive, moral behavior and action.

5) Parental involvement, parental supervision, and parental control:  Research shows that when children are given parental support - are loved, valued, praised and encouraged - and when monitored as to whereabouts and what they are doing, these are factors that actually help to predict the extent of alcohol or drug abuse, delinquency, social problems or related problems.

6) Religious and/or spiritual upbringing.

7) Opportunities and recognition for pro-social involvement at school and in the community.

8) Having at least one other positive adult role model in a child’s life.

9) Caring about others feelings…. altruism… helping others instead of being self-centered or self-absorbed.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
UNDERAGE DRINKING
You Decide !