Major Types of Risk Factors for Drug Abuse Among Teenagers

Unfortunately, drug abuse among teenagers is becoming more prevalent. There are many factors that can increase the risk of teenage drug abuse. Some can be controlled, and some can't. Major life changes can cause teenagers to experiment with drugs, like moving on to high school, or graduation. Major risk factors are family lifestyle, personality, peers, community type and school style.

Family Lifestyle and Home Environment

• The way his family functions can have a strong impact on a teenager. Teenagers coming from families where there's little parental control and monitoring are more likely to abuse drugs than teens from families with more parental involvement. Teens who are left alone for the majority of the day have more time to engage in risky behaviors. Strong family bonds can help to prevent drug abuse.

Personality Traits

• Research shows that a teenager with an aggressive personality is more likely to abuse drugs than a teen who's calm and self-controlled. Teens who are able to express their feelings and who feel those feelings are heard have outlets to vent -- whereas teens who don't talk to anyone may turn to drugs to feel better. Teens with a lack of interest in school and home may be more likely to use drugs as well.

Community Type and Environment

• The type of community a teen is raised in may be a risk factor for drug abuse. Teens growing up in poor communities are more likely to abuse drugs. Close-knit communities are shown to decrease drug abuse among teens, perhaps because they provide bonding and mentoring experiences. Good role models are important, and mentors can be a great support for teens who are facing stressful transitions.

School Style and Rules

• The type of school that a teenager attends can also be a risk factor. Schools with a no-drug policy have proven to decrease drug abuse among students. Schools where there's little monitoring, and less involvement, put teens attending them at higher risk. These schools are usually found in communities with a lower socio-economic status and few outreach programs.

Peers and Social Groups

• One of the strongest risk factors for teenage drug abuse is the social group that a teen belongs to. Students that are more involved with school sports and activities are less likely to abuse drugs. Students that aren't involved with school may be in social groups that abuse drugs or engage in other dangerous behaviors. If a teen belongs to a group that's known for causing problems, the teen will most likely be engaging in risky behavior as well, because of peer pressure. Students who excel academically are also less likely to abuse drugs than students who aren't.