Costa Rica study links youth sports participation to lower drug and vaping use

A study by Costa Rica's Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA) reports that adolescents aged 13-17 who participate in National Games show significantly lower rates of alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use compared to high school students. The finding suggests a protective effect of organized sports, though causality is not established. This could inform public health policy targeting youth substance use prevention.