Students face diverse life circumstances that can serve as risk and protective factors for harmful substance use or risky behaviour. How one person responds to these factors will differ based on their unique situation and personal biology. There is evidence that genetics play some role in making some people more vulnerable to developing an addiction, but they do not definitively predict it (Hatoum et al., 2022; 2023). Both life stress and traumatic stress are associated with increased substance use and/or risky behaviour (Broman, 2005). This can include:
- Financial stress – poverty or income instability, debt, loss of a job (Price, 2022)
- Academic stress – graduation, failing a class, increased course load, transitions (Pascoe et al., 2019)
- Social stress – trying to fit in, feeling lonely, family conflict (Strickland & Acuff, 2023)
- Minority stress – minority groups experience stress stemming from experiences of identity-based stigma and discrimination (Felner et al., 2020)
- Child abuse, victimization, oppression, intergenerational trauma (Moustafa et al., 2021; Tang et al., 2024)
- Accidents and injuries, especially those that lead to disability, including chronic pain (Hartz et al., 2022; Hoffman et al., 2024)
- War, conflict, violence
People who struggle with their substance use or other risky behaviours often also experience concurrent mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 2024). It is estimated that more than 20% of people with mental health conditions have a co-occurring substance use disorder (Rush et al., 2008). The number may be as high as 50% for people with schizophrenia (Buckley et al., 2009).
Another risk factor for youth substance use or risky behaviour is being a part of social environments where drug use or compulsive behaviours are encouraged or normalized, especially at a young age by peers or caretakers. Attitudes related to drugs, gambling, shopping, pornography, and more are disseminated through social media, popular media, and peer networks.
Compulsive behaviour within the context of addictions refer to repetitive and potentially uncontrollable behaviour that occurs despite negative consequences (Heinz., et al, 2024).
Conversely, there are several protective factors that can reduce the likelihood of harm related to substance use or risky behaviours (Cannabis Health Evaluation and Research Partnership [CHERP], 2024). They function at several levels:
- Individual – healthy coping skills for emotional regulation and stress management; positive self- image and high self-esteem; help-seeking behaviour when in need of support
- Family – warm, supportive family of origin that meets basic physiological and emotional needs, including developmentally-appropriate supervision
- School – supportive and reliable adult relationships; peer connections that promote pro-social behaviour and norms
- Community – regular opportunities for leisure and play; youth programs and infrastructure, including mental health services, that are accessible
