What is the primary goal of primary prevention?

The primary goal of primary prevention is to prevent substance use before it occurs. This approach focuses on stopping the onset of substance use, aiming to reduce risk factors and promote protective factors within communities and among individuals. By addressing the potential causes and circumstances that may lead to substance use, primary prevention strategies can effectively lower the incidence of substance-related problems before they develop.

In contrast, other options revolve around different stages of substance use intervention. For instance, reducing harm pertains to individuals already experiencing substance use issues and focuses on minimizing negative consequences. Supporting recovery is relevant to those who are in the process of overcoming substance use disorders, while identifying at-risk populations is a critical step that often informs prevention strategies but does not directly address the proactive approach of preventing substance use from occurring initially.