RELATIONSHIP OF CHANGES IN ADOLESCENTS LEISURE ACTIVITIES TO ALCOHOL-USE

Objective: To determine if a decrease in involvement in positive leisu re activities preceded the transition to monthly-or-more often use of alcohol. Methods: 460 rural students were surveyed annually for 5 year s regarding their participation in health and leisure behaviors. Resul ts: Although gender and grade differences were found, increases in soc ial activities (parties, dating, being with a crowd) most often occurr ed prior to increased alcohol use; decreases in sports, hobbies and cr afts, and church involvement also preceded females' increased alcohol use. Conclusion: Leisure activities should be carefully selected and m onitored in efforts to limit adolescent involvement with problem behav iors including alcohol abuse.