Which statement best defines primary prevention?

Which statement best defines primary prevention?

• A. It targets individuals who have already become chronic abusers
• B. It focuses on aftercare and relapse prevention
• C. It aims to prevent drug use among individuals who have never used
• D. It involves law enforcement strategies

Answer: (C)

Primary prevention aims to stop drug use before it begins by addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors for people who have not yet used. It includes universal and selective strategies like school education about risks, family and community programs, and creating environments that reduce opportunities or incentives to try substances. This focus on preventing initiation distinguishes it from approaches that deal with people who have already started using or are dealing with consequences of use. The other ideas describe actions after use has begun or after treatment, such as helping those already abusing or recovering, or using enforcement as a primary strategy, which isn’t the preventive approach most people mean by primary prevention.

Primary prevention aims to stop drug use before it begins by addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors for people who have not yet used. It includes universal and selective strategies like school education about risks, family and community programs, and creating environments that reduce opportunities or incentives to try substances. This focus on preventing initiation distinguishes it from approaches that deal with people who have already started using or are dealing with consequences of use.

The other ideas describe actions after use has begun or after treatment, such as helping those already abusing or recovering, or using enforcement as a primary strategy, which isn’t the preventive approach most people mean by primary prevention.