The NCAA News - News & Features

NCAA survey shows prevalence of drug-education programs

Another 11 percent say they are actively planning such a program.

The percentage of programs is the same as in 1993, when the survey was last performed. When the first survey was done in 1985, only 16 percent of reporting institutions had drug-education programs for student-athletes in place.

Most such programs are found in Division I-A, where 88 percent of the members report maintaining one. Only nine percent of Division I-A members say they have no such program for student-athletes nor are they planning one.

Rates for student-athlete drug-education programs in other divisions and subdivisions are Division I-AA, 63 percent; Division I-AAA, 78 percent; Division II, 53 percent; and Division III, 38 percent.

The 1995 results also show that 37 percent of responding institutions have in operation a drug-testing program for student-athletes, an increase over the 33 percent that had such programs in place in 1993. Another five percent are actively planning such programs. In the original 1985 survey, only 10 percent of responding institutions had testing programs.

This year for the first time, institutions were asked to provide information on the extent of their drug-education initiatives.

On the high side:

* Seventy-two percent of the respondees refer student-athletes to campus or community agencies for treatment if necessary.

* Sixty percent bring in outside speakers for special presentations.

On the low side:

* Nineteen percent conduct peer-education programs involving other student-athletes.

* Fourteen percent have alcohol- and drug-abuse evaluations.

The Betty Ford Center program has been attended by personnel at 23 percent of the responding institutions, making it the most popular of outside alcohol- and drug-abuse programs. Only three percent of those responding have been involved in the Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) program.

The survey also sought to reveal the level of understanding of the NCAA's policy on tobacco use. Those surveyed were given five choices; 72 percent were able to correctly identify the NCAA policy (the NCAA bans the use of tobacco products by student-athletes and game personnel during collegiate practices and competition and at NCAA championships).

Individuals interested in obtaining a copy of report may do so by contacting NCAA Sports Sciences, 6201 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kansas 66211-2422 [913/339-1906 or (fax) 913/339-0028]. Frank D. Uryasz, director of sports sciences, may be reached via e-mail at furyasz@ncaa.org.