Which option lists two protective factors that reduce adolescent substance use?

Which option lists two protective factors that reduce adolescent substance use?

• A. Strong family support and involvement in school or extracurricular activities (also peer networks that discourage drug use)
• B. Strict isolation from peers; unsupervised free time
• C. High academic pressure without social support
• D. Access to multiple social groups with mixed messages

Answer: (D)

Protective factors are conditions that lower the likelihood of adolescent substance use by boosting support, supervision, and positive social norms. The best choice describes strong family support plus involvement in school or extracurricular activities, along with peer networks that discourage drug use. Family support provides emotional backing, monitoring, open communication, and role models for healthy behavior. Being involved in school or activities creates structure, a sense of belonging, and multiple positive relationships, which reduces opportunities to experiment with substances. When peers in the network actively discourage drug use, that establishes pro-social norms and accountability. Together, these factors build a protective environment that makes substance use less likely. The other scenarios lack those protective elements: isolating from peers and having unsupervised free time reduces supervision and structured opportunities; high academic pressure without social support adds stress without reinforcing healthy coping or supportive networks; and exposure to many social groups with mixed messages can dilute or undermine clear, positive norms.

Protective factors are conditions that lower the likelihood of adolescent substance use by boosting support, supervision, and positive social norms. The best choice describes strong family support plus involvement in school or extracurricular activities, along with peer networks that discourage drug use. Family support provides emotional backing, monitoring, open communication, and role models for healthy behavior. Being involved in school or activities creates structure, a sense of belonging, and multiple positive relationships, which reduces opportunities to experiment with substances. When peers in the network actively discourage drug use, that establishes pro-social norms and accountability. Together, these factors build a protective environment that makes substance use less likely.

The other scenarios lack those protective elements: isolating from peers and having unsupervised free time reduces supervision and structured opportunities; high academic pressure without social support adds stress without reinforcing healthy coping or supportive networks; and exposure to many social groups with mixed messages can dilute or undermine clear, positive norms.