The role of sport in the manifestation and treatment of addictive behaviours

The aim of the research is to find out more about the relationship between participation in sport (at the elite and sub-elite level) and addictive disorders. The research programme will involve close collaboration with The Living Room Cardiff (an all addictions treatment centre) and employ qualitative methods to examine personal biographies of addicts. The project will explore how family history, personality, environmental and cultural factors operate before the onset of addiction, during active addiction and when in recovery from active addiction. There will also be a focus on the concept of 'recovery capital' and sport's role therein. The research will contribute to the limited body of literature surrounding addiction in an athlete population. It will provide valuable insights into athlete vulnerabilities and inform areas of need in terms of treatment and prevention of addictive behaviours within a sports context.