What psychological factors may contribute to drug dependence?

The selected answer focuses on trauma, stress, or underlying mental health disorders as significant psychological factors that may contribute to drug dependence. This connection arises from the understanding that individuals who experience traumas or chronic stress may seek to alleviate their emotional pain through substance use. Additionally, those with underlying mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, may turn to drugs as a form of self-medication, which can lead to dependence over time.

Research shows that adverse childhood experiences, life stressors, and untreated mental health issues can all heighten the risk of developing a substance use disorder. These psychological factors can create vulnerabilities that make individuals more prone to using drugs as coping mechanisms. Recognizing and addressing these psychological aspects is crucial in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for drug dependence.

In contrast, other options like high intelligence and social popularity are generally not associated with increased drug dependence risk, while exposure to drug education programs and strong parental guidance can actually serve as protective factors, potentially reducing the likelihood of developing substance use issues.