Which of the following is NOT listed as a risk factor for developing substance use disorders?

• A. Regular exercise
• B. Genetics/family history
• C. Early initiation
• D. Trauma/ACEs

Answer: (A)

A key idea here is that most known risk factors for substance use disorders involve vulnerabilities or exposures that increase the likelihood of turning to substances, while some factors are protective. Regular exercise is not a risk factor; it tends to be protective, helping mood, reducing stress, and improving coping and self-regulation, which lowers the chance of developing substance problems. In contrast, genetics or family history reflect inherited vulnerability, early initiation increases cumulative exposure and can affect brain development related to reward, and trauma or ACEs are strongly linked to using substances as a coping mechanism and to altered stress responses. So the option about regular exercise stands out as not being a risk factor.