Risk and Protective Factors

Prevention and Intervention models based on risk and protective factors are growing in popularity. You will often hear them referred to as the "Resiliency Model" or the "Asset Model". Define and explain risk factors and protective factors as they relate to drug use and abuse; what "pros" do you see in this model? What "cons"? In other words, if you were designing a new program, would this model be useful to you? Explain why or why not.

As you ponder your response, you may find it helpful or interesting to review the list of 40 "protective factors" identified by the Search Institute that was mentioned in your text as well as the SAMHSA Fact Sheet, particularly pages 4-7 for a simple but clear explanation of risk and protective factors.