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Study draws link between addiction, sports participation
Participation in sports and risk for substance use disorders may be associated, according to findings published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise.
“Potential benefits of participation in sport are widely known. However, sport participation has also been associated with risks, including consumption of alcohol and drugs and such risks may be enhanced among certain populations,” Laurie A. de Grace, BSc, MBA, of University of Alberta in Canada, and colleagues wrote.
To determine associations between sport participation and risk for addiction, researchers conducted interviews among 21 individuals. Seven study participants had between 3 years and 29 years of sobriety, 13 were in a residential addiction treatment program and one was a counselor.
Study participants were categorized by sports background as limited, recreational sports, competitive athletes, or competitive athletes whose sport was terminated.
Researchers identified five main contexts, including familial history, stability and illness; perceived acceptability of alcohol; school and social atmosphere; sport culture, demands and expectations; and termination of sports involvement.
Three mechanisms were identified, including psychological consequences, coping strategies and substance availability.
“Overall, the social acceptance of alcohol within families and the participants’ social environments, as well as heritability and specific family influences appeared to have the greatest influence on the majority of participants’ substance use and subsequent addiction,” the researchers wrote. “However, for those individuals involved in competitive sport, the culture, expectations, and demands of sport, as well as termination of sport involvement, also seemed to create contexts in which substance use and subsequently addiction could develop.” – by Amanda Oldt
Disclosure: Please see the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.