Protective & Risk Factors

According to The Vermont Department of Health’s Division of Alcohol, & Drug Abuse Programs, the following 5 core protective factors help young people resist alcohol, and other drug use:

  1. Strong bonds exist between youth and adults;
  2. Youth gain the skills necessary for becoming mature adults;
  3. There are opportunities for youth to have meaningful involvement in the community;
  4. Such involvement is recognized;
  5. Healthy beliefs and clear standards are communicated and modeled.

Developmental Research and Programs, Inc.


According to The Vermont Department of Health’s Division of Alcohol, & Drug Abuse Programs, the risk factors which have the highest correlation to alcohol and other drug use among youth area as follows:

Category

 Risk Factors With the Highest Correlation to Youth Substance Use

Community

Alcohol and other drugs are readily available.

Community laws and norms are favorable toward drug use.



Family

Family member has a history of alcohol and other drug abuse.

Parents use drugs, involve youth in their use (“get me a beer, would you?”) or tolerate use by youth.

 

School

 Students lack commitment or sense of belonging to school. Note: not as strong a correlation as the others on the list.

Peer/Individual

Young person thinks most friends use.

Young person thinks alcohol and other drug use is “cool”.

Person begins using at a young age.

Social Development Research Group

Ottauquechee Community Partnership
Promoting Safe, Healthy and Balanced Lives
PO Box 732  •  Woodstock, Vermont  •  05091  •  802-457-2679