Skateboarding has long been more than just a sport or pastime; it’s a culture, a community, and for many young people, a lifeline. Amid growing concerns about youth substance abuse, skateboarding emerges as an unexpected yet powerful tool for prevention.
This blog post delves into the impact of skateboarding on preventing substance abuse among youth, supported by both quantitative data and qualitative insights from the skateboarding community.
In this research study, we’ll be going over:
- The Landscape of Youth Substance Abuse
- The Connection between Skateboarding and Substance Abuse Prevention
- Why Skateboarding Works as a Positive Outlet for Substance Prevention
- Quantitative and Qualitative Findings from GOSKATE Community
If you or a loved one is experiencing substance abuse contact the crisis hotline by dialing 988. We also encourage you to visit Youth.gov for a list of federal resources to help fight substance abuse.
You can also visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline for FAQs, resources, and their Treatment Referral Routing Service.
The Landscape of Youth Substance Abuse
Substance abuse among youth is a pressing issue globally. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 20% of teenagers have used illicit drugs by their senior year in high school. Alcohol use is even more prevalent, with approximately 60% of teens reporting having tried alcohol by age 18. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.
In recent years, skateboarding has emerged as more than just a recreational activity. It has become a powerful tool for youth development and community building. This blog post delves into the findings of a comprehensive research study that explores how skateboarding can play a crucial role in preventing substance abuse among young people.
The Connection Between Skateboarding and Substance Abuse Prevention
The rise of skateboarding culture has coincided with increased interest in alternative methods for youth substance abuse prevention. Traditional approaches often focus on education and punitive measures, but these have shown mixed results. Skateboarding offers a unique blend of physical activity, community engagement, and personal growth that can deter youths from engaging in substance abuse.
Quantitative Findings
A recent study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) surveyed 1,500 skateboarders aged 12-18 across various urban settings.
The results were telling:
- Reduced Substance Use: 78% of respondents reported lower instances of drug use compared to their non-skateboarding peers.
- Increased Physical Activity: 85% indicated they spend at least three hours per week skateboarding, which correlates with reduced time available for potentially harmful activities.
- Community Engagement: 70% stated that being part of a skateboarding community helped them feel more connected and supported.
Qualitative Insights
While numbers provide valuable insights, the voices of skateboarders themselves add depth to our understanding.
“Skateboarding gave me an outlet to express myself creatively and physically,” says Alex Thompson, a GOSKATE instructor. “It kept me away from negative influences because I was always focused on mastering new tricks or hanging out at the skatepark.”
Another participant, Maria Lopez, shared her experience: “Before I started skating, I struggled with peer pressure to try drugs. But once I found my crew at the local park, I felt like I belonged somewhere positive.”
These personal stories highlight the transformative power of skateboarding beyond mere statistics.
Why Skateboarding Works: A Positive Outlet
Building Community and Belonging
One of the most compelling aspects of skateboarding is its strong sense of community. For many young people, joining a local skate park provides them with an immediate social network that supports healthy behaviors and discourages substance use.
“When I started skating, I found a group that accepted me for who I was,” says Alex Martinez, a GOSKATE instructor. “We push each other to improve our skills rather than resorting to drugs or alcohol.”
Building Community and Belonging
Engaging in physical activities like skateboarding can serve as a natural deterrent to substance abuse. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that adolescents who participate in sports are significantly less likely to engage in drug use compared to their non-active peers. Skateboarding requires focus, discipline, and physical exertion—qualities that are incompatible with substance misuse.
Psychological Benefits
Stress Relief and Mental Health
Skateboarding offers substantial psychological benefits that can mitigate factors leading to substance abuse. The act of skating itself provides stress relief and releases endorphins—natural mood lifters—which can reduce the temptation to turn to substances for emotional support.
“Skating helps me clear my mind,” shares Sarah Thompson, another skater from GOSKATE. “Whenever I’m stressed or upset, I grab my board instead of thinking about drinking or smoking.”
Skill Development and Self-Esteem
Mastering new tricks builds self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment. This boost in self-worth can be crucial during adolescence—a time when low self-esteem often contributes to risky behaviors including substance abuse.
A survey conducted by Skateboarders Against Drugs (SAD) revealed that 85% of young skateboarders felt more confident after learning new tricks and participating in competitions.
Role Models and Mentorship
The presence of positive role models within the skateboarding community cannot be overstated. Seasoned skaters often take younger ones under their wing, offering guidance not only in skating but also in life choices.
“My mentor taught me more than just how to land an ollie,” recalls Jake L., now an accomplished skater and mentor himself. “He showed me how staying clean could help me achieve my goals on and off the board.”
Policy Implications
Given these findings, policymakers should consider integrating skateboarding programs into broader youth development strategies. Funding for public skateparks and school-based initiatives could be pivotal in creating safe spaces where young people can thrive without resorting to drugs or alcohol.
Additionally, collaborations between local governments, schools, and nonprofit organizations could amplify the reach and impact of such programs. By investing in infrastructure that supports healthy lifestyles, communities can proactively combat youth substance abuse.
The Biggest Challenges Facing Skateboarders and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse within the skateboarding community is a significant concern that warrants attention. According to recent studies:
- Prevalence Rates: Approximately 35% of skateboarders aged 18-25 have reported using illicit substances at some point in their lives.
- Alcohol Consumption: Around 45% of skateboarders in the same age group admit to regular alcohol consumption, often in conjunction with skateboarding activities.
- Injury Correlation: Studies indicate that skateboarders under the influence of drugs or alcohol are twice as likely to sustain serious injuries compared to those who are sober.
- Mental Health: Nearly 40% of skateboarders who struggle with substance abuse also report experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
These numbers paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by young athletes in this high-risk sport. Substance abuse not only affects their performance but also jeopardizes their safety and well-being.
Path to Recovery
The path to recovery is never easy but it doesn’t have to be done alone.
“It wasn’t easy admitting I had a problem. But once I did, seeking help improved both my mental state and my skating skills.” – Chris, age 25
“Joining support groups gave me a sense of community outside of skating. It helped me balance my love for skateboarding with staying clean.” – Jamie, age 23
Strategies for Addressing Substance Abuse in Skateboarding
Given these insights, what can be done to mitigate substance abuse among skateboarders? Here are some strategic approaches:
Education and Awareness
Providing educational programs about the risks associated with substance use can significantly impact young skateboarders’ choices. Workshops led by former addicts or healthcare professionals can offer valuable insights.
Support Systems
Creating robust support systems within skate communities can make a substantial difference. Mentorship programs where experienced skaters guide younger ones can foster healthier habits.
Mental Health Services
Offering accessible mental health services tailored for athletes can address underlying issues that lead individuals toward substance abuse.
Safe Spaces
Establishing safe spaces where skaters can practice without external pressures or negative influences is crucial for fostering a positive environment.
Pro Skaters Lived Experiences and Helping The Next Generation
Unfortunately, many professional skateboarders have experienced substance and alcohol abuse over the years, whether from themselves or their peers. Luckily, there is a growing movement of pro skaters and sobriety, helping the next generation fight the battles they have faced and provide a safe space to help reduce the stigmas of skating for help.
Brand Turner and the Westside Recovery Program, is one of the best examples of this. Brand Turner is one of San Diego’s most legendary pro skaters, having switch hard-flipped the infamous Carlsbad Gap, the skateworld collectively sigh of relief after the pro skater reappeared after a number of years following a substance arrest and a near fatal accident.
“Skateboarding, to me, is one of the best lessons in life because it’s a constant failure. Like with skateboarding, just like life, you’re going to fall every single day, and the way you learn is how you pick yourself back up and your support system and people teaching you. So I use that analogy to help people with recovery,” Turner said.
Brand Turner founded his Westside Recovery Program which offers outpatient and residential treatment programs. There are also activities ranging from Pilates to surfing to skateboarding to help with participants’ sobriety and their mental health. With skateboarding, Brandon takes outpatients to different skateparks twice a week around San Diego.
Andrew Reynolds is another famous example of one of the sultans of skateboarding who once was infamous with substance and alcohol abuse, now stands as a pillar of sobriety in the skateboarding community.
As one of the former members of the Piss Drunks crew, Andrew tells his story of how in order to still be one of the top skaters in the world, he had to choose a healthy lifestyle.
Fellow Deathwish Skateboards and Baker Boy Distribution pro skater, Neen Williams, has also taken it upon himself to change the common stereotype of what it means to be a pro skater. For decades, skaters were depicted as beer drinking roughnecks but skaters like Neen Williams have created a new role model, one around nutrition and health.
Perhaps what is most significant about these proskaters getting sober is young skaters can learn from their success story and desires to continue skating. Too often in industries defined by conquering challenges do we learn from people’s mistakes. But in skateboarding, we learn from our mentors and community members and how to land, roll away, and celebrate life.
Research Study Conclusion
The research clearly indicates that skateboarding offers significant benefits beyond recreation—it serves as an effective tool for preventing substance abuse among youths. By fostering physical activity, community engagement, and personal growth, skateboarding helps create environments where young people can flourish both mentally and physically.
As we continue to explore innovative approaches to youth development and substance abuse prevention, it is essential to recognize the multifaceted role that activities like skateboarding can play. Investing in such initiatives not only safeguards our youth but also builds stronger communities for the future.
By understanding these dynamics better through both quantitative data and qualitative experiences from skateboarders themselves, we pave the way for more effective strategies that ensure our young generations lead healthier lives free from substance abuse.
Skateboarding serves as more than just an exciting activity; it plays a pivotal role in preventing youth substance abuse through community building, physical activity, psychological well-being, skill development, and mentorship. As we continue searching for effective strategies to combat this critical issue facing our youth today, embracing unconventional methods like skateboarding might just offer some of the most impactful solutions.
By fostering environments where young people feel valued and supported without resorting to harmful substances, we pave the way for healthier futures both individually and collectively.
If you or a loved one is experiencing substance abuse contact the crisis hotline by dialing 988. We also encourage you to visit Youth.gov for a list of federal resources to help fight substance abuse.
You can also visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline for FAQs, resources, and their Treatment Referral Routing Service.
