Sports and SUD have a complex and interconnected relationship. Athletes can fall for drugs due to multiple reasons. While some would have a strong urge to bring a medal for their country, others might be struggling with mental health issues.
Another reason can be peer influence. It has become very common for athletes to consume these drugs to enhance their performance. Even after knowing that using substances can ban them from ever playing again, athletes end up on drugs.
Keep reading to explore the reasons behind the high risk of substance use among athletes.
- Performance Enhancing Drugs
The pressure to perform better than others often leads us to do things we might not otherwise. Athletes face that immense pressure every single day. To outperform their competitors, some get inclined towards performance-enhancing drugs.
The desire to perform better than others can drive athletes to risk their health and integrity. The case of Lance Armstrong, who lost his seven consecutive Tour de France titles and Olympic medals, can be considered the perfect example of an athlete who took performance-enhancing drugs and lost their integrity.
- Pain Management and Injury
We may not leave our bed for two days straight after coming from a long trek. Now, think about the athletes who work out non-stop to perform their best. They can meet with an accident, get injured or develop chronic pain.
These issues can drive an athlete towards painkillers to manage their physical comfort. Sometimes, the dependency on painkillers can cause athletes to become addicted to the drugs.
For instance, NFL players relied on these drugs to cope with the injuries they got during their careers and faced the opioid crisis.
- Peer Influence
Athletes, like any individual, can be influenced by their social environment. Seeing their peers using drugs and probably performing well can lead them to try the drugs at least once. This experiment can turn into addiction before they know it.
A doping culture was exposed during the Tour de France among the cycling community and highlighted the influence of peers on an athlete’s decisions.
If you suspect any of your peers are taking drugs, then as a responsible athlete find them help through a rehab center like WhiteSands Orlando Recovery Center. In any case, never participate in drug use. It’s always better to walk out from a party where drugs are doing the rounds sooner rather than later.
- Lack of Education
We make most bad decisions due to a lack of awareness or education. When the consequences or the nature of a substance is unknown someone may take a drug thinking it is harmless.
They might not fully comprehend the risks associated with substance use. This lack of awareness can lead them to dangerous choices. Several athletes have been banned from the Olympics because they were involved in substance use.
- Mental Health Struggles
The constant pressure to win and perform the best can take a toll on a sportsman’s mental health. They start inclining towards substances like drugs and alcohol at occasional parties or hangouts to seek temporary escape but slowly find themselves trapped.
We can consider Michael Phelps’s case, a renowned swimmer who battled mental health issues and found solace in using drugs.
Conclusion
Everyone including health-conscious athletes is at a high risk of substance use. The pressure, challenges or demands of their fans can be the reason why they start taking drugs.
To prevent oneself from falling into the trap of drug use, athletes should find ways to relieve stress. It is crucial to address this issue timely and look for mental support and professional help.
