Drug Abuse and Addiction

As a student-athlete, you may know of someone who is struggling with drug abuse and addiction. It may be a close friend, a teammate, classmate or family member. Substance abuse and addiction can cause problems in the classroom, on the playing field and at home. It can often times leave individuals feeling alone and helpless, a potentially dangerous combination. It is for these reasons, that it is important to have a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction.

Common signs of drug abuse and addiction:

-          Skipping class or flunking class, missing practice, and neglecting other day-to-day responsibilities

-          The use of drugs and/or alcohol during high risk situations (drinking and driving, before practice or a game)

-          Mood swings (fights with friends and/or family members, partners)

-          Legal issues (DUI, selling of drugs, possession charges)

-          A built up tolerance to drugs

-          Withdrawal symptoms

-          Constantly thinking about drug use

-          Understanding the risks of drug use, but continuing to participate

-          Losing interest in sports, socializing and other hobbies

Physical, behavioral and psychological warning signs:

-          Deterioration of physical appearance, grooming habits

-          Tremors, slurred speech

-          Bloodshot eyes, larger than normal pupils

-          Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

-          Sudden weight loss or gain

-          Always a need for extra money

-          Acting secretive about everything

-          Sudden change in friends

-          Lack of motivation

-          Anxious, fearful and paranoid

-          Angry outbursts and easily agitated

Recognizing that you or someone you know has a drug abuse or addiction problem is the first step, and often the most difficult step, on the road to recovery. Seeking help and finding support is crucial to any addiction recovery, and it takes a tremendous amount of courage to recognize that you or someone you know may need help.

If you feel that you or someone you know has an addiction problem, be proactive and contact any of the following individuals for support:

-          Family member

-          A close friend

-          A therapist or counselor

-          Your health care provider

-          Your athletic trainer, coach and/or another administrator

 Always remember, you are not alone and there are individuals that are willing to help!

 For more information on drug abuse and addiction, please visit the following resources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183 

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-abuse-addiction

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drugabuse.html

Introducing myPlaybook: Web-Based Drug and Alcohol Education for Student-Athletes

Drug Free Sport has partnered with Prevention Strategies to bring myPlaybook to colleges, universities, and high schools across the US. myPlaybook is a new, web-based, interactive drug and alcohol education program created specifically for student-athletes.

Background

Prevention Strategies is a research company devoted to providing online education products that aim to prevent alcohol and drug-related harm among teens and young adults. With the support of the NCAA, PS created a program specifically for student-athletes. Over 5,000 current student-athletes have already completed myPlaybook, giving PS data showing the program works to change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to alcohol and drug use.

Because of our involvement with drug testing and the NCAA, Drug Free Sport partnered with Prevention Strategies to make myPlaybook available to institutions across the country.

The Program

myPlaybook is an evidence-based program designed to prevent alcohol and other drug related harm. This interactive, web-based program engages students using state-of-the-art instructional design. There are two separate programs for college and high school. The collegiate program was created specifically for student-athletes. The high school program is designed for the general student population and also includes an extra component for those participating in athletics.

Pilot studies have shown that the program works, with student-athletes demonstrating immediate gains in knowledge of NCAA drug testing procedures and banned substances, negative alcohol expectancies, and negative marijuana expectancies. Over 83% of students felt they benefited from taking myPlaybook.

The core program covers:

• NCAA Banned Substances & Drug Testing
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Performance Enhancing Drugs/Dietary Supplements
• Tobacco
• Prescription/Over-the-Counter Drugs

Booster sessions are offered for students who have completed the core program. The boosters contain content that is new and applicable to student-athletes along with content that reinforces the core program. The REC will help choose booster topics based on the questions student-athletes are asking the most.

Want to know more?

You can learn more about myPlaybook by visiting the website (click here) or contacting Ryan Carpenter (816-474-8655). You can also Click here to sign up. Drug Free Sport can set you up with a full user account so that you can see the program the same way student-athletes see it or you can choose to receive a one-on-one tour from a DFS staff member and ask questions as you learn about the program.

What should I eat???

One of our primary responsibilities at the REC is to answer questions from athletes on dietary supplements. We are always warning them about the risks of supplement use and encouraging them to turn to food for their dietary needs and performance goals. In an effort to provide alternatives, we are working to increase our knowledge of sports nutrition by working with a great group of registered dietitians, Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA - http://www.sportsrd.org/).  

This group of registered dietitians is founded on the fundamental “food first” principle that “whole foods are the best fuel”. With all the questions we get asked about sports nutrition and our desire to offer athletes alternatives, who better to turn to than CPSDA? Below is a collection of blogs where you can go to get relevant and reliable information from experts on sports nutrition.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC

Sports Dietitian and Clinical Professor, Quinnipiac University Nutrition Consultant Certified Athletic Trainer Nutrition Expert for FoodNetwork.com

http://danawhitenutrition.com/

http://foodnetwork.com/healthyeats

Dave Ellis, RD, CSCS

CPSDA President

http://www.daveellisbio.com/www.daveellisbio.com/Blog/Blog.html

Jamie Mascari, RD, LDN

Registered Dietician

Louisiana State University Athletics

http://healthytiger.blogspot.com/search/label/Welcome

http://leslieschilling.wordpress.com/

 http://www.atlantasportsnutrition.com/
Marie Spano, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD
Nutrition Communications and Sports Nutrition
Leslie P. Schilling, MA, RD, CSSD, LDN
Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC

Nancy Clark RD CSSD

Sports nutrition counselor

http://community.active.com/blogs/NancyClarkRD

Sally Berry, MA, RD, CSSD
Team Dititian, Orlando Magic
The "Diet Diva" on The Daily Buzz TV show
Nutrition Consultant, UCF Athletics
http://www.ebodyfuel.com/blogpage.html

Tara Gidus, MS, RD, CSSD, LD/N
Registerd Dietician
Bodyfuel inc.
http://www.healthline.com/health-experts/diet-diva

Bob Seebohar, MS, RD, CSSD,CSCS
Registerd Dietician/Sport Dietitian

http://fuel4manceblog.blogspot.com/

***This list will grow so please continue to check back. ***

What is a Registered Dietitian?

A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:

• Earned a bachelor's degree with course work approved by ADA's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and chemistry.
• Completed an accredited, supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency or foodservice corporation.
• Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Completes continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

Approximately 50 percent of RDs hold advanced degrees. Some RDs also hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support and diabetes education.

Registered dietitians who are members of the American Dietetic Association are not only food and nutrition experts—they are leaders in the field of dietetics. Every one of ADA's wide array of member benefits is designed to advance their knowledge and skills and enhance their networking opportunities.  (http://www.eatright.org/students/education/)