Drugs have the capability of providing athletes with the same “high feelings” that they experience after a big win. Just as a big win has the potential of providing an athlete with a positive mood altering feeling, drugs and alcohol may provide similar “highs”. Some athletes turn to drugs for the same reason non-athletes use mood altering chemicals — to reduce emotional pressures that come from the pressure to succeed.
Negative Effects of Drugs and Athletes
The American Athletic Institute published the following negative effects of alcohol on athletic training and performance:
- An athlete’s body may take up to 14 days to recover and regain proficient performance after intoxication.
- The athlete’s reaction time while performing may be negatively impacted as long as 12 hours after consumption.
- Players that consume alcohol and other non-prescribed drugs are twice as likely to become injured when compared to non-using athletes.
- Alcohol increases the release of cortisol in the body. Cortisol (a stress hormone), negates the positive effects of proper athletic training.
Prevention Tips That Work for Athletes
Why some athletes choose not to drink or use drugs:
- Values are taught and reinforced at home.
- Positive influence to avoid drugs by teammate and coaches are promoted.
- Education of the negative effects of drugs on athletic performance is provided.
- Penalties and enforcement of consequences when athletes break rules take place in and out of school.
- Coaches who strive to create a positive team culture, traditions, rituals, inter-team relationships and team expectations are more likely to produce athletes that are drug free.
- The use of multiple educational approaches over consecutive years increases the athletes’ chances of avoiding drugs and alcohol during their primary years (ages 14-25) of athletic competition.
Parents, athletic leaders, community organizers and coaches need to walk the walk and talk the talk. It’s crucial that parents and athletic leaders hold discussions on this topic and establish norms for coaches and parents striving to help our athletes stay drug free.