Question

student journal drug addiction journal entry write 1 risk factor that could make a teen more likely to use drugs. write 1 protective factor that helps keep teens from using drugs. describe how these risk and protective factors might apply to you. legal age why do you think there are age restrictions (age 21) on purchasing alcohol (and marijuana, if its legal in your state)?

Explanation:

• Risk factor: Peer pressure. Teens often want to fit in with their social group. If friends are using drugs, a teen may feel pressured to do the same to be accepted.
• Protective factor: Strong family bonds. A supportive family environment can provide emotional support, clear values against drug use, and supervision, reducing the likelihood of a teen using drugs.
• Application to self (example): If a teen has friends who experiment with drugs (risk factor - peer pressure), but has a close - knit family that regularly discusses the dangers of drugs and provides alternative activities (protective factor - strong family bonds), the protective factor can counteract the risk factor. The teen may be more likely to resist peer pressure due to the family's influence.
• Age restrictions (alcohol example): Teen brains are still developing, especially the pre - frontal cortex which is involved in decision - making and impulse control. Alcohol can disrupt this development. Also, teens may be more prone to risky behaviors when under the influence, which can lead to accidents (e.g., drunk driving), health problems (e.g., liver damage over time), and social issues (e.g., risky sexual behavior).

Answer:

• Risk factor: Peer pressure.
• Protective factor: Strong family bonds.
• Application (example): If a teen has friends who experiment with drugs (risk - peer pressure) but a close - knit family (protective - strong family bonds), the family can help resist peer pressure.
• Age restrictions (alcohol): Teen brain development (impulse control), higher risk of accidents/health/social problems.