WHY DO PEOPLE USE 

PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES

• Influences of other people
• Popular media
• Escape and self-medication
• Boredom
• Rebellion
• Instant gratification
• Lack of confidence
• Misinformation

Risk Factors

Circumstances or events that increase a child’s use of abuse of drugs.  The more likely a child may be to use drugs and develop problems. Risk factors for drug use include:

• Low grades or failure in school
• Victim of bullying or cyberbullying
• Low self esteem
• Permissive parenting
• Parent or older sibling drug/alcohol use
• Living in a community with a high tolerance for smoking, drinking, or drug use among youth
• Attending a school without strict rules for tobacco, alcohol, or drugs and inconsistent enforcement for breaking those rules
• Belief that there is little risk in using a drug.