Which approach focuses on individuals who are at high risk for substance abuse?

The selected answer, which focuses on individuals who are at high risk for substance abuse, is indeed selective prevention. This approach is designed specifically for individuals or groups that exhibit elevated risk factors for developing substance use problems. It acknowledges that not everyone in a community faces the same level of risk and therefore tailors interventions to those who need them most.

Selective prevention programs often target specific populations who may be more vulnerable due to environmental, social, or personal factors. For instance, this could include students with a family history of substance use disorder or individuals living in areas with high levels of substance abuse.

Universal prevention, by contrast, addresses the entire population without differentiating between risk levels, thus not specifically targeting those most in need. Targeted prevention focuses on groups that exhibit some risk factors but may not be as high risk as those identified in selective prevention. Tertiary prevention is concerned with individuals who have already developed a substance use disorder and focuses on reducing the impact of the disorder rather than preventing its onset.