The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- Sports Sciences Newsletter -- October 26, 1998

Preparation is key in dealing with abuse

BY V'ANNE SINGLETON
Betty Ford Center

Note: This is the second in a series of articles submitted by the Betty Ford Center Training Department staff. The following and subsequent articles will provide research and development information regarding alcohol and drug abuse prevention on college campuses.

Abuse of alcohol by college students is not a new phenomenon; in fact, alcohol is the number one drug abused on college campuses. What may not be as commonly known is that alcohol abuse by college athletes appears to be far greater than for any other group of students, according to a recently released study.(1) This two-year study of 51,483 students from 125 institutions found male athletes, on average, consumed 9.7 drinks per week. Athletes who described themselves as "team leaders" had 10.5 drinks each week. Male nonathletes averaged 6.4 drinks.

Women athletes followed this same trend, reporting consuming 4.5 drinks each week compared with 2.8 for nonathletes. Females who identified themselves as "team leaders" drank five drinks on average.

Based on the concern for collegiate athletes abusing alcohol, it is important to understand the vulnerabilities they face that drive them to abuse alcohol and develop eating disorders. According to Claudia Black, Ph.D.: " 'It will never happen to me' is a statement that we in the field of addictions associate with children of alcoholics...However, it also is a statement that can be generalized to other populations, such as elite athletes."

Dr. Black also indicates that athletes believe themselves to be invulnerable physically, with a strong sense of determination, will-power, and self-control. Therefore, they may consider themselves invincible and incapable of being controlled by the obsession and compulsion for alcohol or food.

Another point that Dr. Black makes is that the athletic community, consisting of coaches, trainers and teammates, may unknowingly enable an athlete's abuse problem by ignoring or not identifying signs of abuse. Those around an athlete become part of the problem, feeling that addressing him would make the problem worse or by not knowing how to intervene.(2)

Once signs and symptoms of abuse have been identified, it is imperative that action be taken to intervene with a student-athlete. It is not the athletic community's responsibility to know how to address the abuse/addiction issue; however, it is the responsibility of the community to recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse; to have policies in place for a consistent way of helping a student; to create an environment where a student-athlete can self-identify and treat his abuse or addiction without fear of sanctions; and to have an alliance with health care professionals who specialize in addiction services.

An alliance with health care professionals to whom student-athletes can be referred is essential. Those trained personnel can help by providing assessments of the student's involvement with alcohol and other drugs or with an eating disorder. A professional also will recommend a plan of care, whether it is therapy and education to learn coping skills for stress and peer pressure if the student is involved in the abuse of alcohol, or formalized treatment (outpatient or inpatient) if the diagnosis is alcohol dependence.

Most importantly, a professional can work with a student-athlete and the athletic community to develop an ongoing support plan. Such an arrangement is essential to the emotional health of the student, and, in turn, enhances his ability to return to previous standards of academic and athletic performance as well as re-establish quality relationships with teammates and friends.

Ongoing education of students, administrators and the entire campus athletic community is essential to increase awareness of the incredibly complicated problem of alcohol abuse on college campuses. We at the Betty Ford Center are honored to be a partner with the Association in this ongoing educational process through its participation in the NCAA/Betty Ford Center Professional In Residence Program. We feel this experiential program is an invaluable way to gain more insight into the process of identification and treatment modalities for alcohol and other drug dependencies.

References:

1. Barrett, Greg, "Study: College athletes drink more: Some male students consume average of 9.7 drinks per week," The Detroit News, May 5, 1998.

2. Black, Claudia and Priscilla Bolin, " 'It will never happen to me' addiction and the collegiate female athlete," Paradigm, Fall 1997, Volume 2, Number 4.

V'Anne Singleton is the manager of training and consultation at the Betty Ford Center in Palm Springs, California. She can be reached toll free at 800/854-9211, or via e-mail at traindept@bettyfordcenter.org.

Common Warning Signs of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse or Addiction:

1. Abrupt changes in attendance in class and/or practice; frequent Monday morning absences; missed assignments or tests; and a decline in academic performance.

2. Deterioration of physical condition (less stamina resulting in poor athletic

performance) and an unkempt appearance.

3. Out-of-character mood swings, including displays of frustration and anger.

4. Injuries and/or illnesses occurring more frequently than usual.

5. Signs and symptoms of hangovers (e.g., headaches, nausea, vomiting).

6. Incidents with law-enforcement agencies or campus security.

7. Change in peer group.

8. Social withdrawal from usual group of friends.

9. Overt protection of personal possessions, such as the contents of a locker, desk or car.

10. Incidents and/or behaviors identified by coaches, team members or roommates (e.g., the smell of alcohol on the breath, accounts of public underage drinking).