Recreation, Leisure and the Alcoholic

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Abstract
The Curriculum in Recreation Administration of the University of North Carolina and the Alcoholic Rehabilitation Center (ARC) at Butner, N.C., jointly undertook an investigation of the leisure patterns of a select group of alcoholics. The purpose of the study was to determine the alcoholic's use of leisure time prior to his commitment to the center and its relationship to his drinking problem. For control purposes and for lack of better studies, comparison of study data was made with the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission data on the use of leisure time by the general population. This comparison showed: (1) the alcoholic has less interest in cultural activities; (2) his participation in sports and outdoor recreation activities is about half that of the general population; (3) a definite relationship is apparent between drinking and participation in outdoor activities; (4) the alcoholic is generally not a joiner, but when he is, he prefers clubs where alcoholic beverages are available; and (5) the alcoholic's leisure patterns are influenced by the same social variables as the “normal” population.

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