This paper will present the definition of young people and the importance of families for their proper future development and upbringing. The paper mostly deals with family risk factors, with an emphasis on those related to development of addiction in young people. Also, family risk factors will be elaborated in more detail according to consumption of certain addictive substances in young people (drugs, alcohol, gambling and the Internet). Furthermore, the paper discusses risky parenting styles that can contribute to young people becoming addicted, as well as the prevention of addiction and the implementation of prevention programs in the environment of young people (family, school, etc.). In the final part, emphasis is placed on social work with families who have higher probability of development an addiction and on the skills that social workers must possess to work with young people coming from at-risk families. The conclusion of the paper emphasizes the role of the family in the phase of forming the character of young people and directing their future and prevention of addictive behavior, as well as motivating them towards the realization of their personal potentials and positive contribution to the community.