Van den Bree and Pickworth identified a number of risk factors associated with marijuana use by a teenager. These can help identify a teenager at high risk for drug misuse. The authors are from Cardiff University (Wales) and the National Institutes on Drug Abuse at NIH..
Factor
Increased Risk
Decreased Risk
involvement in social activities
low levels of engagement
high level of participation
psychological health
depression, anxiety, poor emotional control, personal difficulties
good mental health
personality
limited coping skills, poor self-concept
good coping skills, good self-image
school situation
poor performance, truancy, low connectedness
good performance, good attendance, strong bonds
family functioning
inconsistent, lack of structure, high levels of conflict, low bonding, poor parenteral monitoring, substance abuse
consistent, low conflict, strong bonding, good parenteral monitoring
peers
substance abuse, delinquent, maladaptive
environment
rough, violent
belief structure
rebellious, unconventional, irreligious
religious, conservative
Major risk factors for marijuana use found by van den Bree and Pickworth:
(1) abuse of other substances by self and by peers
(2) delinquency
(3) problems in school
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