Nothing to do. The Relationship Between ‘Leisure Boredom’ and Alcohol and Drug Addiction: is There a Link to Youth Suicide in Rural Australia

Recent research with young adults & adolescents suggests there may be a causal link between leisure boredom & high risk health behaviours, such as substance abuse & mental distress. Findings support the hypothesis that adolescents & young adults who perceive their leisure to be unsatisfying, or in some way incomplete, may be at greater risk of engaging in patterns of leisure behaviour which are detrimental to their physical &/or psychological well-being. This article examines the relationship between leisure boredom & alcohol & drug addiction & asks if there is a link to youth suicide in rural Australia.