Understanding Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol Abuse

Running head: HEALTHCARE ASSIGNMENT
HEALTHCARE ASSIGNMENT
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

HEALTHCARE ASSIGNMENT1
Response 1:
A large number of research studies have tried to investigate the process that marks the
onset of alcohol abuse and also determine the trend in which alcohol abuse progresses
(Mentalhelp.net, 2019). It should be noted in this regard that a set of factors serve as high risk
factors that determine the probability of an individual to be dependent on substance abuse. In
addition to this, it should further be noted that a set of protective factors prevent the
individual from practicing substance abuse. Research studies in this context reveal that
aggressive behaviour, negative behaviour experienced during childhood serves as risk factors
that promote alcohol abuse (Herrenkohl et al., 2013). In addition to this, within the family
domain, lack of appropriate parental supervision also promotes alcohol abuse. In the peer
domain, increased alcohol consumption by the peer group encourages alcohol abuse. At the
community level, poor socio-economic status as well as poverty and isolation promotes
alcohol abuse (Mersky, Topitzes & Reynolds, 2013). It should be noted in this context that a
multitude of protective factors such as strong sense of self-control at the individual level
could help in refraining from alcohol abuse. Further, stringent parental monitoring, academic
competence, sound anti-drug use policies at school as well as strong neighbourhood
attachment are the protective factors that help in the prevention of alcohol abuse (Sobell,
Sobell & Ward, 2013).
Response 2:
Family and peer group could both serve as protective and risk factors in the context of
Alcohol and Drug Abuse disorders. As a matter of fact, a number of risk factors that trigger
alcohol abuse is strongly evident during the period of childhood. The child’s first level of
interaction occurs within the family with his family members and certain situations within the
family have been studied to increase the risk of a child to take up alcohol abuse in future.