Question

directions
respond to the prompt with a response with multiple sentences. use details about risk and protective factors for addiction as much as possible. what does it mean to be addicted to a substance? video for help.
not sure how to start? \one thing that i think protects someone, making it less likely for them to become addicted to a substance is...\
warm - up prompt
substance abuse and addiction is a common problem, and there are various personal, community and other factors that make an individual more or less vulnerable to addiction.
what are two risk factors that could contribute to someone becoming vulnerable to addiction?
what are two protective factors that could contribute to keeping someone from becoming vulnerable to addiction?

• tip: share 2 for each category (2 for risk factors and 2 for protective factors)

○ discuss what it means?
○ why is it a risk or protective factor?

Explanation:

Risk Factors:

1. Family History of Addiction: If a person has close relatives (like parents or siblings) with substance addiction, they may have a genetic predisposition. Genes can influence how the brain responds to substances, making them more likely to develop addiction as their brain's reward system may be more sensitive to the substance's effects.
2. Early Exposure to Substances: Using drugs or alcohol at a young age (e.g., during adolescence) is a risk factor. The adolescent brain is still developing, and substance use can disrupt neural pathways related to decision - making, impulse control, and reward, increasing the likelihood of addiction later in life.

Protective Factors:

1. Strong Family Support: A supportive family environment, where there is open communication, love, and guidance, acts as a protective factor. Family members can monitor the individual's behavior, provide emotional support, and discourage substance use, reducing the chances of addiction.
2. Positive Peer Influence: Having friends who do not engage in substance use and who encourage healthy activities (like sports, academic pursuits) can protect against addiction. Positive peers can provide a social environment that does not promote substance use and can offer alternative, healthy ways to have fun and relieve stress.

Answer:

Risk Factors:

• Family History of Addiction: Having relatives with addiction increases genetic vulnerability to addiction as genes can affect brain responses to substances.
• Early Exposure to Substances: Using substances in youth disrupts developing brain pathways, raising addiction risk.

Protective Factors:

• Strong Family Support: A supportive family provides guidance, monitoring, and emotional support to discourage substance use.
• Positive Peer Influence: Peers who avoid substances and promote healthy activities reduce exposure to substance - using environments.