Relationship of high school and college sports participation with alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use: A review

This study provides an exhaustive review of 34 peer-reviewed quantitative data-based studies completed on high school and college sports involvement and drug use. The studies reviewed suggest that participation in sport is related to higher levels of alcohol consumption, but lower levels of both cigarette smoking and illegal drug use. Additional research is needed in this domain to further elucidate the relationship between these variables. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.