Author(s): Dr. Rajbala

Abstract:
This paper examines some of the major issues associated with drug uses and abuse in professional sports. In particular, the reasons why athletes may take drug and means of primary prevention is addressed more specifically, it is believed that athletes take drug because they have not developed effective intra and interpersonal skill to cope constructively with the pressure exerted by management media and fans. A broad based program of primary prevention is offered that attempts to circumvent the most significant cause of drug abuse. The first phase of the program involves drugs education that provides honest, straight forward information about the benefits and detriments of various drugs. Second, because the drug use is not believed to be controlled by purely rational decision making, “emotional education” molded after the scared straight programs with juvenile delinquents would be used to reach young athletes at the “gut” level. Third effective coping and general life skills would be taught as a means of providing the athletes with ways of constructively handling the pressure. Finally, a supportive environment would be developed to assist the athletes in coping with their lifestyle and the associated difficulties.

Pages: 222-225  |  1253 Views  57 Downloads

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