Which statement best describes indicated prevention?

• A. Indicated prevention targets individuals with early signs; e.g., brief interventions for risky drinkers.
• B. Indicated prevention targets entire population.
• C. Indicated prevention targets at-risk groups.
• D. Indicated prevention targets schools.

Answer: (A)

Indicated prevention means acting with individuals who already show early signs of a problem, aiming to prevent it from getting worse. In alcohol use, this fits people who aren’t severely dependent but exhibit risky drinking patterns or early symptoms, and who can benefit from brief, targeted help rather than broad public programs.

So the statement that describes indicated prevention is the one that says it targets individuals with early signs, using brief interventions for risky drinkers. The other ideas describe different approaches: universal prevention targets everyone, selective prevention targets higher-risk groups, and mentioning schools describes a setting rather than the level of targeting.