In public health, risk factors are any lifestyle, environmental, or biological factors that increase the likelihood of developing a disorder or disease.
In the context of substance use, risk factors are conditions or influences that increase the likelihood of initiating substance use, developing harmful or dependent patterns of use, or experiencing associated health and social consequences. These may include genetic predispositions, personality traits such as impulsivity, environmental influences, social circumstances, or existing physical and mental health conditions. Prevention strategies aim to reduce these risks.
Sources: SAMHSA_NCBI; Recovery Research Institute; HRB