Cocaine history and impulsiveness in professional boxers and mixed martial arts fighters

Am J Addict. 2024 Jan;33(1):92-95. doi: 10.1111/ajad.13479. Epub 2023 Sep 5.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Impulsiveness is linked to cocaine history (CH) in the general population and greater fight exposure in professional fighters. Among fighters, no previous studies have quantified CH or investigated its relationship with impulsiveness.

Methods: Adjusted multivariable regressions were utilized to examine the relationship between CH and impulsiveness in 335 fighters from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study.

Results: Twenty percent of fighters reported CH. CH was significantly associated with impulsiveness overall and on three subscales.

Discussion/conclusion: Cocaine's prevalence and significant association with impulsiveness in fighters merit further study.

Scientific significance: We quantify CH and demonstrate its significant association with impulsiveness in professional fighters for the first time.

MeSH terms

  • Brain*
  • Humans
  • Martial Arts*