What is a protective factor that can help reduce AOD risk among young people?

• A. Peer pressure
• B. Lack of supervision
• C. Strong family support and clear expectations
• D. Easy access to alcohol

Answer: (C)

Protective factors that help reduce AOD risk for young people. Strong family support and clear expectations create a stable, caring environment where a young person feels valued and understood, while also knowing what behavior is appropriate. This combination helps build resilience, improves decision-making, and reduces how much influence negative peer pressure has. Open communication about alcohol and drugs and consistent guidance from family provide safe ways to seek advice and avoid risky situations, and they model healthy choices. In contrast, options like peer pressure, lack of supervision, or easy access to alcohol describe conditions that increase opportunity or motivation to use substances, not protect against it. So the best protective factor is strong family support and clear expectations.