Question

patrick started having problems with some of his family. patrick did not want to use drugs. he was so stressed that he finally gave into his friend’s pressure to start using drugs. after a few weeks, he realized how different his life had become. he missed so many soccer practices that he got kicked off the team. he does not think about what he is eating anymore and often stays up too late. he feels sluggish and does not have interest in the same activities anymore.

what are the risk factors that may have led patrick to an unhealthy lifestyle? select all that apply.

patrick started using drugs.
patrick listened to his friend, even though he knew the friend was wrong.
patrick got help from a trusted adult.
patrick wrote in his journal about the stress he is feeling.

Explanation:

• "Patrick started using drugs" is a risk factor as drug use leads to unhealthy lifestyle changes (missed practices, poor diet, etc.).
• "Patrick listened to his friend, even though he knew the friend was wrong" is a risk factor because succumbing to peer pressure (friend's pressure to use drugs) led to his unhealthy choices.
• "Patrick got help from a trusted adult" is not a risk factor; it would be a protective factor.
• "Patrick wrote in his journal about the stress he is feeling" is a healthy coping mechanism, not a risk factor.

Answer:

• Patrick started using drugs.
• Patrick listened to his friend, even though he knew the friend was wrong.