Take One for the Team? Influence of Team and Individual Sport Participation on High School Athlete Substance Use Patterns

Magdalena Kulesza, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge 70803.
Joel R. Grossbard, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle 98195 ; Health Services Research and Development, Veterans Affairs, Seattle 98108.
Jason Kilmer, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle 98195 ; Health and Wellness, Division of Student Life, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Amy L. Copeland, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge 70803.
Mary E. Larimer, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.

Abstract

The current web-based survey investigated the association between team or individual sport participation (or both) and self-reported alcohol and tobacco use among high school athletes (N=1, 275) transitioning to college. Peak Blood Alcohol Concentration, weekly drinking, and alcohol-related problems were significantly lower among athletes in individual sports compared to other groups. Athletes competing in both team and individual sports reported greater lifetime tobacco use and combined alcohol/tobacco use compared to individual or team sports alone. Preventive strategies targeting HS athletes in general and those participating in team sports in particular may be useful in minimizing future alcohol use and related problems.