That means that, independent of other factors, participating in athletics puts students at higher risk of having problems with alcohol. The very things that draw young people to athletics are manipulated by the alcohol industry to draw young people to their products. Risk-taking, pushing oneself to the limit. Those themes have a resonance with young people in general, they have a special resonance with student athletes. Be part of the group.
Tobacco advertising uses many of the same themes .
There is a Marlboro racecar. This photograph comes from the front page of the Boston Globe sports section. There's also the Winston Cup. And, of course, Joe Camel. Be a winner.