Which is a core goal of universal prevention programs?

• A. Reduce initial experimentation by addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors.
• B. Focus solely on treatment after dependence occurs.
• C. Punish adolescents who experiment with alcohol.
• D. Remove all information about risks.

Answer: (A)

Universal prevention programs aim to prevent the first use of substances by addressing factors that influence whether a broad group starts experimenting. They reduce risk factors (such as peer pressure, easy access, and norms that favor use) and strengthen protective factors (like strong family support, school connectedness, decision-making skills, and refusal skills). By improving these protective factors and weakening risk factors across the whole population, these programs lower the likelihood that individuals will try alcohol in the first place.

This is different from treatment, which targets people who have already developed dependence, or punitive approaches, which don’t prevent initiation. Removing information about risks would also undermine prevention, as informed individuals are better equipped to resist experimenting.