Which factor can reduce the risk of developing addiction?

Which factor can reduce the risk of developing addiction?

• A. Avoiding early drug use
• B. Genetic predisposition
• C. Early life stress
• D. Peer pressure has no effect

Answer: (A)

Avoiding drug use during adolescence is protective because the brain’s reward and decision-making circuits are especially plastic then. Starting substances early can reinforce habits and alter dopamine pathways in ways that make continued use more likely, increasing the risk of developing addiction later on. When you skip initiating use, you’re reducing exposure during a critical development window, which lowers that risk. Genetic predisposition can raise vulnerability by affecting neurotransmitter signaling and impulse control, making addiction more likely in some people. Early life stress can dysregulate the stress system and interact with brain reward circuits, also increasing risk. Peer pressure does influence whether someone tries substances, so saying it has no effect isn’t accurate.

Avoiding drug use during adolescence is protective because the brain’s reward and decision-making circuits are especially plastic then. Starting substances early can reinforce habits and alter dopamine pathways in ways that make continued use more likely, increasing the risk of developing addiction later on. When you skip initiating use, you’re reducing exposure during a critical development window, which lowers that risk.

Genetic predisposition can raise vulnerability by affecting neurotransmitter signaling and impulse control, making addiction more likely in some people. Early life stress can dysregulate the stress system and interact with brain reward circuits, also increasing risk. Peer pressure does influence whether someone tries substances, so saying it has no effect isn’t accurate.