Adolescent Recreation and Alcohol Consumption

Authors

  • Richard R. Perdue
  • Agnes Rainwater

Keywords:

adolescents, alcohol, recreation, drug abuse, social control, leisure education

Abstract

The data reported in this study show that adolescent alcohol consumption often occurs in conjunction with participation in recreational activities, that the level of that consumption  is influenced by the social controls over the recreational activity, and that the degree to which alcohol consumption occurs in conjunction with a recreational activity increases with the individual's level of participation in that activity across all levels  of social control.. It  is suggested that alcohol abuse prevention and treatment programs for adolescents cannot be structured on the premise that providing recreational opportunities  will automatically reduce alcohol abuse. Rather, the intent must be one of leisure education wherein individuals acquire· attitudes, skins, knowledge, and behaviors which enhance the social benefits of their leisure choices.

Issue

Section

Research Papers