Reported alcohol use and behavior in long-distance runners

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Addiction Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Alcohol consumption is often perceived to negatively impact athletic performance.
• Recreational runners, engaging in demanding physical activity, were hypothesized to exhibit lower alcohol consumption patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serious recreational running and alcohol consumption patterns.
• To compare drinking habits and alcohol problem indicators in runners versus a non-exercising control group.

Main Methods:

• Mailed questionnaires assessed drinking patterns, modified Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) scores (brief MAST [BMAST], short MAST [SMAST]), and family history of problem drinking.
• Comparison between 397 male and 144 female runners and 138 male and 119 female non-exercising controls.
• Statistical analyses included chi-square, paired t-test, and ANOVA, with a subset of matched pairs.

Main Results:

• Male gender, running participation, and family history of problem drinking predicted increased total alcohol consumption.
• Male runners consumed significantly more alcohol per week than male controls (14.2 vs. 5.4 drinks).
• Runners reported more frequent drinking occasions and higher guilt associated with drinking compared to controls, except for those with a history of problem drinking.

Conclusions:

• Contrary to the initial hypothesis, serious recreational running is associated with increased alcohol consumption.
• Individuals with a history of problem drinking who run may consume less alcohol than their non-running counterparts with similar histories.
• The findings highlight a complex interplay between athletic engagement and alcohol use, warranting further investigation.