A recent study published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology (2022) examined the association between physical inactivity and substance use throughout adolescence was prospectively investigated in relation to developing cannabis use disorder (CUD).
Physical inactivity and substance use in males (N = 462) and females (N = 178) were measured at 12–14, 16, 19, and 22 years of age in a repeated measures design.
Study results showed that the rate of increase in physical inactivity during adolescence in males and females is a facet of the vulnerability for CUD.
The authors concluded that a physically active lifestyle ameliorates the psychological characteristics of CUD vulnerability.
This study provides strong evidence of the critical need for prevention specialists to integrate the promotion of physical activity within their programs and campaigns to prevent marijuana use and CUD.
Read the study abstract and public health significance: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fpha0000593
At Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW), we’ve partnered with various youth physical activity and sports organizations to counter physical inactivity’s influence on substance use as well as enhance the broader mental and physical wellbeing of young people.
View PPW’s physical activity partners: https://preventionpluswellness.com/pages/ppw-physical-activity-partners?_pos=1&_sid=5cda4a684&_ss=r