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This study aimed to find possible links between an adolescent’s extracurricular activities, leisure activities and substance use (cigarettes, alcohol and drugs). The data was collected in the spring of 2013, within a large project called CAST (Behaviors and Attitudes with regards to Health, among Youngsters from Cluj Napoca). This study was conducted by the Social Work Department in collaboration with the Psychology Department of “Babes Bolyai” University from Cluj Napoca. There were 1105 adolescents involved in the study and the results show that leisure activities are not always “bad” for the adolescent; it really depends on the activity, the adolescent’s peer group and what they like to do when hanging out. For instance, the results show that practicing sports can be protective against smoking and drug use, but not against alcohol use. On the other hand, extracurricular activities do not always work as protective factors for teenagers when it comes to substance use. Being part of a student’s club proved to be a risk factor for smoking, drinking and drug use.
Keywords: adolescent, substance use, extracurricular, leisure
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