Which type of prevention focuses on reducing the rate of substance use before it occurs?

The focus of primary prevention is to reduce the rate of substance use before it occurs, making it the correct answer. This approach targets individuals or populations who have not yet engaged in substance use, aiming to educate them about the risks associated with such behaviors and promoting healthy lifestyle choices to prevent the initiation of use. Strategies may include awareness campaigns, educational programs in schools, and community activities that encourage positive behaviors and decision-making.

Primary prevention is critical because it seeks to intervene at an early stage, ideally before individuals start using substances. By creating a supportive environment and providing information, primary prevention efforts can significantly decrease the likelihood of future substance abuse problems.

Secondary prevention, in contrast, deals with reducing the impact of substance use after it has started, focusing on early detection and intervention. Tertiary prevention is aimed at those with established substance use issues, working to manage addiction and prevent relapse, thus addressing the consequences rather than preventing the initial use. Community prevention, while it can encompass elements of primary prevention, does not specifically focus on the individual-level prevention strategies designed to reduce the onset of substance use.