Alcohol and other drug use can also increase an adolescent’s chance of secondary risk factors. 

This can include subtle ripple effects like delayed career opportunities or more severe consequences such as being a victim or offender of sexual assault, violence, drink spiking, drink driving accidents, antisocial behaviour or mental health concerns.  

80% of child abuse cases involve alcohol and other drug use.

• drink spiking: occurs when a substance such as alcohol or other drug is added to a drink without the knowledge of the person consuming it. See drink spiking in Emerging topics for more information.
• violence and physical assault: there is a strong correlation between violent episodes and alcohol or drug use. These can include sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse
• drink or drug driving and motor vehicle accidents: approximately 18% of young adults report having driven under the influence of alcohol in the past 12 months. The health effects of these substances while driving can range from traffic accidents involving other motor vehicles or pedestrians or significant injury or fatalities.
• antisocial behaviour: including crimes in the community such as vandalism, graffiti, shoplifting or assault of strangers
• academic difficulties: including a reduction in engagement, school attendance and potential dropout, especially at heavier intake of alcohol and drug use.
• delayed or deferred career opportunities: including likelihood of full-time employment, length of employment and unemployment
• damaged relationships with friends and family: this may be a result of behavioural changes, trust issues, financial strain or changes in caregiving roles
• mental health concerns: drugs and alcohol have a dual-direction relationship with mental health concerns. At least 55% of people experiencing an alcohol or other drug use disorder have a co-occurring mental health condition. Some often use substances to help deal with mental illness and there often exists an increased risk of self-harm or suicide.
• economic or financial loss: this includes both individual financial loss and societal costs such as workplace absenteeism, crime, healthcare and motor vehicle accident callouts.