Risk Factors

What are risk factors?

Risk factors are defined as an agent or situation that is known to make an individual or population more susceptible to the development of a specific negative condition.

Through a data driven process DPYC determined risk factors that contribute to underage drinking in the community.

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Ease of Access:

How easy is it for youth to obtain alcohol in Ellington?

Facts about Ellington:

• The number one source of alcohol is “other people their own age” (67.8%) (Erase Survey, 2017).

Facts from US:

• 43.5% of youth in the United States usually obtained the alcohol they drank by someone giving it to them (YRBS)
• In 2019, among 12- to 14-year-olds who reported that they drank alcohol in the past month, 96.5 percent reported that they got it for free the last time they drank.
• In many cases, adolescents have access to alcohol through family members or find it at home (niaaa).
• Youth ages 12-14 report that the most common sources were getting it from a parent or guardian (19.7%) taking it from their own home (18.5%) receiving it free from someone under age 21 (16.9%)
• Youth ages 15-17 report most common sources were receiving it free from someone under age 21 (22.8%) receiving it free from an unrelated person age 21 or older (15.1%) taking it from their own home (13.7%) or giving someone else money to purchase the alcohol (13.2%).
• For youth ages 18-20 the most common sources were receiving it from an unrelated person age 21 or older (26.8%) or giving someone else money to purchase the alcohol (20.5%)
• Most underage people who drink reported last using alcohol in someone else’s home (47.8%)

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Peer Approval/Disapproval:

How are youth perceiving alcohol use among their peers?

Facts about Ellington:

• Youth perceive that 63% of their peers had used alcohol in the past month when 18.2% reported that they had (Erase Survey, 2017).

Facts from US:

• Youth drinking is correlated with adult drinking behaviors (Nelson et al., 2009; Xuan et al., 2015)
• In 2020 45% of students aged 16-17 years reported perceiving that all or most students in grade level drank alcoholic beverages and 26.5% of students aged 14-15 years reported perceiving that all or most of students in their grade level drank alcoholic beverages. In 2020 25.3% of students aged 12-17 years reported perceiving that all or most of students in their grade level drank alcoholic beverages (University of Michigan- Monitoring the future).
• In 2020 92.3% of people aged 12-17 years reported strongly disapproving or somewhat disapproving of peers having one or two rinks of an alcoholic beverage nearly every day
• (Mental health) Drinking for some may be viewed as fun but for others it can be used as a way to cope with troubles at home, school and anxiety and stress from new responsibilities. Using alcohol as a way to relieve stress may increase the risk of developing alcohol problems later in life.

 

Protective Factors

What is a protective factor?

Protective factors are defined as characteristics or situations at several levels including family and community, that reduce the likelihood of an individual to engage in risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse.

Family

• Structured and nurturing household
• Positive learning environment
• Having supportive role models
• Close relationships with parent and or another adult
• Family stability
• Clear behavior guidelines and values

Peers

• Having access to resources
• Access to creative activities and youth programs
• Having friends who model responsible behavior
• Encouragement from parents and teacher for youth to do well
• Having a strong connection to their community

Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience:

• Social problems, such as higher rates of absences or lower grades
• Social problems, such as fighting or lack of participation in youth activities
• Physical problems, such as hangovers or illnesses
• Disruption of normal growth
• Increased risk of suicide
• Memory problems
• Misuse of other substances
• Changes in brain development that may have life-long effects

Underage drinking is preventable:

What can Parents do?

• Talk to your children about the dangers of drinking
• Set the example by drinking responsibly if you do choose to drink
• Serve as a positive role model to children
• Being aware of the availability of alcohol
• Get to know children’s friends
• Have open and frequent conversations about life in general
• Connecting with other parents about clear messaging about drinking alcohol
• Supervising all parties to make sure there is no alcohol use
• Encourage kids to participate in healthy and fun activities that do not involve drinking

Moderate Alcohol Consumption for Adults:

• Women - Up to 1 drink per day 

• Men - Up to 2 drinks per day

Binge Drinking:

Binge Drinking is a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. It can lead to overdose or a blackout. Women= 4 or more drinks within 2 hours, Men= 5 or more drinks within 2 hours.

High- Intensity Drinking:

High-intensity drinking is a pattern of drinking alcohol at levels twice or more of the thresholds for binge drinking. Research suggests that this pattern of drinking peaks around age 21 and is most common among young adults attending college. This type of drinking is particularly concerning because it is associated with an even greater risk of severe health and safety concerns. For women= 8 or more drinks on one occasion, Men= 10 or more drinks on one occasion.

Heavy Alcohol Use

• Women - More than 3 drinks per day,
• Men - More than 4 drinks per day
• or binge drinking on at least 5 days per month

 

Binge drinking, High-Intensity Drinking, and Heavy Alcohol Use can all increase risk for alcohol use disorder.

Resource List

Here at EYS we strive to create and offer a range of resources for our community:

• Addiction

• Parent Education

• Underage Drinking

 

Additional resources:

DrugFreeCT.org

• This site includes drug use facts & warning signs, information on statewide initiatives and campaigns, strategies for overdose prevention including access to the life-saving drug naloxone (Narcan®), and access to treatment and recovery supports.

Is Substance Use a Part of "Normal" Teen Behavior? 

Podcast: What Parents Are Saying — Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment

• The goal is to provide a platform where parents and caregivers can get informed, be prepared, and take action by having open and honest conversations with their kids about substance use and mental health.

NIDA for Teens

• The trusted source for science-based information on teen drug use and its effects.

Talking to Kids About Alcohol and Other Drugs: 5 Conversation Goals

Why Your Child Might Start Drinking Alcohol