Sports are commonly referred to as America’s favorite past time. With so many activities to choose from, there is something to meet virtually every interest. While some people prefer to watch, others are primed to play. A certain amount of pressure can drive athletes to excel, but too much can have a negative effect. The desire to be the best and succeed can increase the risk of substance misuse. In turn, this can end up taking a toll on athletes’ careers and health.
Pressure to Succeed
A driving force behind substance use by athletes can be the pressure put on them to perform. They want to run faster, jump higher, hit harder, throw further, and play longer. There is fierce competition to be the best and outperform others. For younger athletes, their talents can lead to scholarships for college and a place on the college team. Eventually this can open doors to professional contracts and a nice salary. If sports are something they love, many athletes are willing to take risks to see the benefits. However, they may be overlooking the drawbacks.
In an effort to boost their performance, athletes may turn to a variety of steroids and other enhancement drugs. These substances help them to achieve the results that they desire and give them a competitive edge. Sometimes they use drugs to ease pain and soreness or try to overcome injury.
Banning Use
Due to health concerns as well as the provision of unfair advantages, many sports have banned the use of performance-enhancing drugs. This ranges from school and recreational leagues to professional teams. Athletes often undergo random drug testing to check for the presence of certain substances in their system. If these substances are detected it can result in hefty fines, game suspensions, or dismissal from the team all together. The ongoing effects of substance misuse can lead to career-ending health problems, injury, or addiction. There is also always the risk of overdosing.
Organizations are cracking down on preventing substance misuse. It can be harmful to athletes and increase risk of addiction. There are a wide range of rules and regulations that dictate what is and is not allowed.
Recognizing the Effects of Drug Use
Depending on the substance they are taking, athletes can experience a wide range of effects. In the short term it may enhance their performance, but this should not outweigh the risks. Over time athletes may build up a tolerance which leads them to use greater amounts to achieve the same effect as before.
Performance-enhancing drugs, steroids, and painkillers can take a toll on the body’s organs. The liver filters toxins in the body and processes the drugs. Too much can lead to liver damage or and potentially liver failure. Some drugs can cause the heart to become enlarged which can be very dangerous to athletes. Too much stress or trauma can result in heart problems.
In addition, steroids are known to cause more aggressive behavior in many people. This is commonly referred to as “roid rage” or “steroid rage” and may be out of the athlete’s control. This can also be dangerous to other players who feel the effects of these outbursts. Mood and behavior changes can impact the athlete’s ability to perform and make good choices. Coordination, balance, reaction time, and judgment can all be effected both positively and negatively.
Steering Clear of Drugs
It is important that athletes of all ages are aware of the risk that performance-enhancing drugs can pose. Not only are there legal ramifications, there are health challenges as well. Coaches and parents should talk to young athletes about making healthy choices and building natural talent. They should not put extreme pressure or unrealistic expectations on athletes to perform or win. This pressure is one reason they may opt to try drugs in the first place.
Even professional athletes should have rules and regulations stressed to ensure that they are playing fairly. It helps to level the playing field when no one has the unfair advantage of boosting their performance with drugs. This also makes play safer in some regards.
Encourage children and adolescents to explore a wide range of interests. If they do choose to play sports, make sure that they are engaging in safe practice methods and striving to improve as a result of their efforts, not drugs. Teach good sportsmanship that does not focus on being the best, but rather trying their best. Winning isn’t everything.
Seeking Help
If you are an athlete struggling with addiction or substance misuse, there is help available. Clear your system of these substances and get back to living a healthier lifestyle through drug and alcohol rehab at a facility like Orange County’s Chapters Capistrano. Don’t let drugs or alcohol rob you of your future or diminish your potential. Call Chapters Capistrano today at 949-276-2886 to start a new chapter in your life and overcome addiction.
