Which of the following is most likely to increase the likelihood of a person using drugs?

• A. Strong social support networks
• B. Access to mental health resources
• C. High levels of chronic stress
• D. Effective coping strategies

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of risk factors in psychology, which are conditions or variables that increase the likelihood of a negative outcome, such as drug use.
2. Step 2: Recognize that strong social support networks and access to mental health resources are protective factors that typically reduce the risk of drug use by providing emotional support and professional help.
3. Step 3: Identify that effective coping strategies help individuals manage stress and challenges in healthy ways, thereby decreasing the likelihood of turning to drugs as a coping mechanism.
4. Step 4: Understand that high levels of chronic stress act as a risk factor because prolonged stress can overwhelm an individual's ability to cope, increasing vulnerability to substance use as a form of self-medication.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, high levels of chronic stress are most likely to increase the likelihood of drug use due to their negative impact on psychological well-being and coping capacity.