Summary - Department of Health and Ageing

Parents continue to be an important influence throughout the primary school years but
other factors, including relationships with teachers, adjustment to school and experiences
with peers, play an increasing role. Early school failure is a risk factor for later alcohol
abuse.
Children with behaviour problems through primary school are at risk of later drug use
problems, with conduct disorder possibly more important in this regard than Attention
Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Aggression is a risk factor for later drug use
but the role of childhood depression is unclear. Children who are socially and emotionally
competent are more resilient in the face of risk factors and, therefore, less likely to engage
in alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. A shy and cautious temperament is also protective but
the role of childhood intelligence is unclear.
In the teenage years, young people become increasingly independent of the family,
making choices about their own identity including their attitudes and behaviours about
drug use. Relationships with parents, other adults, and the peer group all influence the risk
of drug use. At the same time, the attitudes, behaviours and relationships developed at
earlier stages of childhood continue to be influential.
The risk of harmful drug use is heightened in a community where there are higher levels
(perceived and/or actual) of drug use, community disadvantage and disorganisation, ready
availability of drugs, and positive media portrayals of drug use. On the other hand,
adolescents who are involved in sporting or community activities with adults are at lower
risk of early drug use.
Families remain important, although family relationships become more complex. Factors
that help to protect adolescents against harmful drug use include attachment to the family,
parental harmony, and parents who monitor and supervise their children and have good
skills in communication and negotiation. Young people are at increased risk where there is
parent-adolescent conflict, favourable parental attitudes to drug use, parental alcohol and
drug problems, and parental approval of drug (e.g. alcohol) use in childhood or early
adolescence.
Drug problems are more likely in young people who do not complete high school and this
is influenced by earlier childhood development, including school adjustment and
behaviour problems. Academic achievement and feelings toward school are also relevant to
illicit drug use.
Adolescents are more likely to use drugs if they associate with other young people who are
using drugs. Delinquency in adolescence is also a risk factor but the influence of
adolescent anxiety and depression is unclear. Other risk factors at this age include
sensation seeking, an adventurous personality and favourable attitudes to drug use.
Religious involvement, however, is protective.