Which factor is NOT a cause of substance abuse?

The correct choice indicates that high income is not typically associated with causing substance abuse. In fact, while many factors contribute to substance abuse, high income often correlates with greater access to resources, including better healthcare, support systems, and opportunities for education. Individuals with high income may also have a stronger ability to address personal issues and seek help for behavioral problems, potentially reducing the likelihood of substance abuse.

On the other hand, low self-esteem, poverty, and experiences of child abuse or neglect are well-documented risk factors for substance abuse. These factors can lead to negative coping mechanisms, where individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to escape their emotional pain or environmental challenges. In contrast, high income does not share these associations, highlighting its distinction as a factor that is generally not linked to increasing the risk of substance abuse.