Leisure domain
How young people spend their leisure time may influence their use of alcohol and other drugs.
Having significant unsupervised and unstructured time, such as attending unsupervised parties, increases the risk of alcohol or other drug use.
Being engaged in structured and supervised activities or hobbies could potentially reduce the risk of alcohol and other drug use.
Supervised extracurricular activities
The provision of supervised leisure options for children may prove protective against alcohol and drug use, theoretically because of the potential to increase the protective factors of:
- participation in positive activities with adult engagement
- positive role models, including around AOD
- sense of belonging/connectedness to community.
An interesting aspect of the Icelandic Prevention Model is the provision of leisure activity cards for use by young people aged 6-18 years.29
These provide free access to a range of diverse activities, such as dance, sport, and music through registered providers, regardless of the young person’s socio-economic background.
Evidence on the impact of extracurricular activities on alcohol consumption by young people is mixed.
Research often looks at sport specifically as a protective factor, although supervised recreational activities are not limited to sport only.
A body of research, conducted primarily in the USA, found that participation in sport was associated with an increase in alcohol consumption, and in some studies earlier initiation of alcohol use.30
This same body of research also indicates that participation in sport may be associated with lower levels of other drug use.
A study conducted in Norway suggests that the impact of sport participation on alcohol consumption may differ depending on the type of sport; for example, team sports may be associated with higher alcohol consumption than individual-based sports.30 However, more research is needed.
An earlier research paper, that examined participation in supervised activities (including sport as well as other activities like scouting, rescue squads, etc.), found that participation in such activities was associated with lower levels of alcohol consumption.31
This paper particularly emphasises the importance of supervised activities, as unsupervised adolescent activities are risk factors for alcohol use - this includes going to parties or hanging out in the city on nights and weekends.