What social factor is noted as contributing to a client's substance abuse and dependence?

Poverty plays a significant role in contributing to a client's substance abuse and dependence. Economic hardship can lead to various stressors that may increase the likelihood of substance use as a coping mechanism. Individuals living in poverty often experience a range of psychosocial challenges such as job insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, inadequate housing, and social isolation, all of which can elevate stress levels and potentially lead to substance use as a form of escape or relief.

Moreover, the social environment shaped by poverty can limit access to support systems, education, and preventive resources, making it more difficult for individuals to seek help or engage in healthy behaviors. Economic struggles may also foster feelings of hopelessness or despair, further driving individuals towards substance use as a means of coping with their circumstances.

In contrast, low intelligence, lack of education, and high income do not directly correlate with increased risk for substance abuse in the same universal manner as poverty. While lower education levels and intelligence might be factors in specific populations, poverty stands out as a more consistent and pervasive factor impacting a larger segment of the population regarding substance abuse.