Risk factors can increase a child’s chances for drug misuse, while protective factors can reduce the risk, and both can affect children at different stages of their lives. Some risk factors may be more powerful than others at certain stages in development, such as peer pressure during the teenage years; just as some protective factors, such as a strong parent-child bond, can have a greater impact on reducing risks during the early years.

 

The key risk periods for drug misuse are during major transitions in children’s lives, such as when they leave the security of the family and enter school. Later, when they advance from elementary school to middle school, and again when they enter high school. During these transitions, adolescents face additional social, emotional, and educational challenges. At the same time, they may be exposed to greater availability of drugs, drug abusers, and social activities involving drugs. These challenges can increase the risk that they will misuse alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.

​

Thankfully, at each transition, risks occur that can be changed or prevented with family, school, and community interventions that focus on helping children develop appropriate, positive behaviors.​

​

NOTE: Most individuals at risk for drug abuse do not start using drugs or become addicted. Also, a risk factor for one person may not be for another.