Competitive Sport Involvement and Substance Use among Adolescents: A Nationwide Study

Abstract

Background The empirical research examining the impact of sports participation on alcohol and other drug use has produced mixed results. Part of this problem may be the result of how different types of sports participation create different experiences that shape certain types of behaviors that either facilitate or deter substance use. Objectives We examined the association between different types of competitive sports participation and substance use among a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Methods Two recent cross-sections from the Monitoring the Future were merged to capture a large subsection of adolescents who participate in either high-contact sports (football, wrestling, hockey and lacrosse), semi-contact sports (baseball, basketball, field hockey and soccer), and non-contact sports (cross-country, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, track, and volleyball). Results Multivariate analyses revealed that adolescents who participated in high-contact sports had higher odds of using substances during the past 30 days and initiating substance use at early ages. Further, adolescents who participated in non-contact sports had lower odds to indicate smoking cigarettes and marijuana during the past 30 days. Conclusions Parents, educators, and policy makers need to consider that some sporting contexts may be a catalyst to engage in risky behaviors like substance use.

Adolescent Sports Participation, E-cigarette Use, and Cigarette Smoking

“…While the bifurcated effect found between participation in high- and non-contact sports on cigarette smoking could be due to either variation in aerobic demands placed on these athletes 15–17 or the normative culture within these sports, 16,21 the results clearly suggest a distinct pattern based on the level of contact or risk embedded within the sport. 16,22 Unfortunately, it has yet to be determined if the same pattern among adolescent athletes exists with e-cigarette use.…”

“…18–20 Despite the overall positive impact sport participation may have on lowering cigarette smoking among adolecents, 12–13 some research has found that adolescent athletes who participate in certain sports may be at a greater or lower risk for cigarette smoking. 16 In particular, a recent national study found that adolescents who participate in high-contact sports (e.g., football) were at the greatest risk for cigarette smoking, while adolescents who participate in non-contact sports (e.g., cross-country) were at the lowest risk for cigarette smoking. 16 …”

“…16 In particular, a recent national study found that adolescents who participate in high-contact sports (e.g., football) were at the greatest risk for cigarette smoking, while adolescents who participate in non-contact sports (e.g., cross-country) were at the lowest risk for cigarette smoking. 16 …”

“…16,22 Unfortunately, it has yet to be determined if the same pattern among adolescent athletes exists with e-cigarette use. Given the marketing of a healthier, or safer form of smoking promoted by e-cigarette campaigns, 9,23–25 it may be possible that certain low risk groups (i.e., athletes or athletes who participate in non-contact sports) may use this product because it is perceived to be much safer than traditional cigarette smoking.…”

Sport and scholastic factors in relation to smoking and smoking initiation in older adolescents: a prospective cohort study in Bosnia and Herzegovina

“…5 7 18 Participation in sport is often considered as a potentially effective way of reducing the tendency of adolescents to smoke cigarettes. [19][20][21][22] Indeed, when comparing groups of adolescent athletes versus non-athletes, there is a lower prevalence of smoking in those involved in sports. [23][24][25] However, when sport participation was analysed more specifically, there were some conflicting findings with the association between sports and cigarette smoking.…”