Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Sponsorship from alcohol industry may lead athletes to drink more
By Staff Writer
Consuming high levels of alcohol might lead to addiction, or require an individual to pursue substance abuse help. Past studies have shown increased levels of intoxication among fans following professional sporting events and a new study indicates that alcohol sponsorship may also be responsible for hazardous drinking levels in athletes.
In the study, which appears in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism, health scientists from Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand analyzed the effects alcohol and non-alcohol industry sponsorship had on athletes’ tendency to drink.
It was found that those who received sponsorship from building firms, food or clothing companies did not show signs of higher drinking levels. However, of the 30 percent of athletes that did receive sponsorship from the alcohol industry, 68 percent met the World Health Organization’s criteria for classification as hazardous drinkers.
According to the study, major alcohol companies spend up to 80 percent of their advertising and sponsorship budgets on sports-related marketing.
The researchers believe that their results provide evidence of the dangers associated with alcohol industry sponsorship. In addition, they recommend that sporting associations that are concerned about the future well being of sponsored athletes should support methods of finding alternative funding.
