Which of the following best describes the environmental prevention approach?

The environmental prevention approach focuses on creating a safer environment that reduces the opportunities for substance misuse. This method emphasizes implementing strategies that restrict access to substances, which can include laws, policies, and community initiatives designed to limit availability. By reducing access, the likelihood of individuals engaging in substance use can be significantly diminished.

In contrast to targeting educational programs, conducting focus groups, or providing alternative activities, restricting access to substances directly alters the context in which substance use occurs. Educational programs might inform individuals about the risks of substance use, but without altering the accessibility of those substances, the potential for misuse remains. Similarly, focus groups gather opinions but do not inherently result in changes to the environment that may prevent substance use. Finally, providing alternative activities can be beneficial but is more effective when combined with restrictions on access, as they aim to distract rather than directly limit opportunities for substance use. Thus, the most effective and targeted method in the context of environmental prevention is restricting access to substances.