What are the early signs of risk that may predict later drug abuse?
Some signs of risk can be seen as early as infancy or early childhood, such as aggressive behavior, lack of self-control, or difficult temperament. As the child gets older, interactions with family, at school, and within the community can affect that child s risk for later drug abuse. Children s earliest interactions occur in the family; sometimes family situations heighten a child s risk for later drug abuse, for example, when there is: a lack of attachment and nurturing by parents or caregivers; ineffective parenting; and a caregiver who abuses drugs. But families can provide protection from later drug abuse when there is: a strong bond between children and parents; parental involvement in the child s life; and clear limits and consistent enforcement of discipline. Interactions outside the family can involve risks for both children and adolescents, such as: poor classroom behavior or social skills; academic failure; and association with drug-abusing peers. Association with drug-abusi
