In the United States, more than 70 percent of all deaths among youth and young adults each year are related to four causes: motor vehicle crashes, other unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide. Alcohol misuse and abuse contribute to each of these behaviors. Alcohol is the most frequently consumed mind-altering substance among adolescents. In addition to its independent negative health effects and contributions to unintentional injury, alcohol abuse is identified as a correlate of chronic disease. There is a need to understand factors that may influence adolescents' decisions to engage in, or adopt, risky behaviors and to assess differences in these influencing factors. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of organized activity participation on adolescent males' use of alcohol and intentions to use alcohol. This study revealed protective effects of involvement in recreational activities on alcohol abuse and intentions but no effect of engagement in sports activities. Studies that can successfully address these relationships can enhance the development of multi-dimensional interventions for reducing and preventing risk behaviors in youth.