What is a key element of the social influence model?

A fundamental aspect of the social influence model is the emphasis on training individuals in refusal skills. This approach is rooted in the understanding that peer pressure can significantly influence an individual's decisions regarding substance use. By equipping individuals, particularly adolescents, with the skills to refuse unwanted pressures to engage in substance use, the model aims to empower them to resist these influences effectively.

Training refusal skills involves teaching individuals how to assertively say no, express their feelings about substance use, and navigate social situations where they may be pressured. This proactive strategy not only enhances self-efficacy but also fosters resilience against peer influence, ultimately contributing to healthier choices regarding substance use.

In contrast, options that involve increasing drug availability, reducing advocacy programs, or promoting solitary use do not align with the principles of the social influence model. Increasing drug availability undermines efforts to reduce substance use among communities, while reducing advocacy programs removes crucial supports and resources that can help prevent substance abuse. Promoting solitary use runs counter to the model's intent, as it neglects the importance of social contexts and support systems in shaping behavior and improving outcomes related to substance use.