Supporting a young person to reduce the harms related to their drug and alcohol use requires an understanding of the factors that influence use.

There are many factors which influence a young person’s decision to use alcohol and other drugs and these factors vary considerably among different groups of young people. Common to all drug use is a ‘positive’ function. The function might be to provide pleasure (to enhance social activity or provide an enjoyable physical response). Or it might be to offer relief from physical pain or, commonly, mental health concerns such as emotional pain, anxiety or low mood. There is often a strong link between mental health concerns and use of drugs. For many, the positive function of drug use is a combination of pleasure and relief.

Young people might begin drug use as part of adolescent experimentation. Or perhaps they’re introduced to alcohol and other drugs in a family context where drug use is normal. Living in environments where drug use is an accepted part of everyday life significantly increases the likelihood of a young person developing a problem with drugs. Youth workers call such environments a ‘risk factor’. Other risk factors include experiences of abuse or neglect, absence of family supports, homelessness, family violence and school exclusion.