Substance Use Disorder in Athletes

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a growing problem in the athletic community. Many athletes turn to drugs and alcohol to help improve their athletic performance or cope with the pressures and stress of their careers. Substance abuse can have many negative consequences, including decreased athletic performance, physical and mental health problems, and strained relationships with family and friends.

While overcoming SUD can be challenging, achieving a successful and fulfilling life in sobriety while still maintaining your athletic abilities is possible. Sober living provides a supportive and structured environment for individuals in recovery to transition back into their daily lives and maintain their sobriety.

What Is Sober Living?

Sober living is a form of aftercare that provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals in recovery from SUD. Our sober living homes at Real Recovery are shared living spaces where residents live and support each other in their recovery journey. 

The goal of sober living is to provide individuals with a structured and supportive environment that helps them maintain sobriety and transition back into their regular lifestyle and healthy routines. Sober living home may have strict rules and guidelines, such as no drug or alcohol use, regular drug testing, and a curfew, to help residents maintain their sobriety and stay on track with their recovery goals. These rules are not in place as a punishment but to help you regain a sense of accountability. 

Benefits of Sober Living for Athletes

Sober living provides a range of benefits for athletes in recovery from SUDs. Each of these benefits may provide you with what you need to move forward without feeling the need to rely on substances. 

Supportive Environment

Sober living can provide a supportive and structured environment that helps athletes stay accountable and on track with their recovery goals. Residents can support one another in their recovery journeys, and staff and therapists are available to provide additional support and guidance. Each resident helps to cheer each other on, rooting for you to succeed in your sobriety maintenance. 

Structured Routine

Our sober living homes have a structured routine, which can help athletes establish a healthy daily routine and maintain their sobriety. This routine can include daily chores, meetings, therapy sessions, and other activities that help residents stay focused and engaged in their recovery. The best part of this routine is that it is catered specifically to each resident. Therefore, you can align your schedule to assist you with your individual goals and needs. 

Access to Resources

Our sober living homes provide you with access to a range of resources, such as therapists, support groups, and educational programs, to help our residents maintain their sobriety and overcome any challenges that may arise. Athletes may need resources in specific areas, such as sports medicine. Our team is happy to assist you in finding resources appropriate to your case. 

Healthy Lifestyle

Sober living provides individuals with the opportunity to develop a healthy lifestyle, which is essential for maintaining athletic abilities. Residents are encouraged to participate in healthy activities, such as exercise and healthy eating, which can help them overcome substance abuse and improve their overall health. Our facility utilizes physical activities for group events to help each other stay active. There is also access to a gym and volleyball court, providing easy access to a physically active lifestyle. 

Life Skills

Sober living also allows individuals to develop life skills that will help them overcome substance abuse and maintain their athletic abilities. Residents are taught how to manage stress, deal with triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms, which can help them maintain their sobriety and improve their athletic performance. Residents also have the opportunity to develop skills in financial management and create a work-life balance. This balance can be extremely important for athletes, ensuring you are balancing other areas of your life. 

Community

Sober living provides a sense of community and belonging for recovering athletes, as residents can connect with others facing similar challenges and struggles. This community can be an essential source of support and encouragement during the recovery process. As an athlete, you are likely used to being involved with a “team” mentality. The other residents within our sober living home are members of your team, working to help you win against the game of addiction. 

Sober living can also help athletes maintain their athletic abilities and return to their sport healthily and sustainably. With a structured routine, access to resources and support, and a supportive community, athletes can overcome SUD and maintain their athletic abilities without relying on drugs or alcohol.

What Causes Substance Use Disorder in Athletes?

Several factors contribute to substance abuse in athletes. Being aware of what these factors are can help you avoid falling into the cycle of addiction again when under high pressure from athletic expectations.

Pressure to Perform

Athletes are often under tremendous pressure to perform at a high level. Whether it’s from coaches, fans, or themselves, this pressure can lead athletes to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the stress. The desire to use substances to increase athletic abilities also has a high potential to occur from high levels of pressure to perform.

Access to Substances

Athletes often have greater access to drugs and alcohol than the general population. Whether through their athletic networks or the abundance of prescription drugs available, athletes are more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. When high pain levels or high pressure arise, the temptation to experiment with different substances may heighten. 

Social Norms

Substance abuse is often normalized in athletic communities, leading athletes to believe it is acceptable behavior. This can result in athletes feeling pressure to use drugs and alcohol to fit in with their peers. To obtain the high standing of being an athlete, many athletes feel that they need to drink or use other substances to fit in. 

Physical Injuries

Athletes are often subjected to a great deal of physical stress, which can lead to injuries and chronic pain. In many cases, athletes turn to prescription pain medication to manage their pain, which can quickly lead to SUD. It is important only to use medication with clinical supervision to avoid relying on a substance to overcome an injury. 

Many athletes fear being taken out of a game or routine, halting their progression due to an injury. This increases the desire for athletes to use prescription-level pain medication to overcome this barrier, temporarily ignoring and pushing past their physical limitations. Engaging in these practices can lead to permanent injuries and an addiction to the pain-relieving substance. 

Mental Health Issues

Athletes can also be susceptible to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, which can lead to substance abuse as a form of self-medication. Because of the high amount of pressure, the focus of athletes is often fully on their sport. This regularly leads to an offset balance in their life overall, disrupting their mental stability over time. 

Effects of Substance Use Disorder on Athletic Performance

Substance abuse can have a profound effect on athletic performance, leading to a decline in physical and mental abilities. Being aware of these risk factors may encourage you to seek help before you encounter any of these effects. 

Physical Decline

Substance abuse can lead to a decline in physical abilities, including strength, speed, and endurance. Drugs such as steroids can also result in long-term health problems, such as liver damage and heart disease. While they may temporarily assist in athletic performance, they tend to cause more long-term damage to your physical abilities. 

Mental Impairment

Substance abuse can also hurt mental abilities, including concentration, focus, and decision-making skills. This can result in poor performance on the field and an increased risk of injury.

Increased Injury Risk

Substance abuse can also increase the risk of injury, as drugs and alcohol can impair coordination and reaction time. It is common for athletes who are abusing substances to overestimate their abilities during the high, greatly increasing their potential for injury. 

Legal Consequences

Substance abuse can also result in legal consequences, as many drugs and performance-enhancing substances are illegal. This can lead to suspensions, fines, and even criminal charges. When legal actions are taken, the potential to use substances as a coping mechanism dramatically increases. The mental state can also become disrupted due to these stress factors. 

Performance

The use of some substances can also interfere with an athlete’s performance. They can impair coordination, reaction time, and judgment, making it difficult for athletes to perform at their best. Substance abuse can also cause athletes to miss games and practices and decrease their overall level of fitness.

Overcoming Substance Use Disorder and Maintaining Athletic Performance

Recovering from SUD is a challenging journey, but with the right support and resources, athletes can overcome their substance abuse problems and maintain their athletic abilities. Some tips for overcoming substance use disorder and maintaining athletic performance include the following.

Seeking Professional Help

Professional treatment is an essential component of recovery for athletes who struggle with SUD. Whether it is through inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient treatment, or alternative therapies, professional treatment can help athletes understand the root causes of their substance abuse and develop the skills they need to overcome addiction.

Building a Support System

Having a strong support system is essential for athletes who are in recovery. Whether it is through a sober living community, support groups, or a network of friends and family, having a support system can provide encouragement and support as individuals navigate their recovery.

Engaging in Healthy Habits

Establishing healthy habits, such as exercise and mindfulness-based therapies, can also be beneficial for athletes in recovery. Exercise has been shown to impact mental health positively and can help individuals overcome addiction by providing a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety. Mindfulness-based therapies, such as meditation and yoga, can also help individuals develop coping skills to deal with stress and triggers.

Pursuing Athletic Goals

Implement goals into your recovery that are related to your athletics. Having athletic goals can be an important part of recovery for athletes. Whether through training, competing, simply staying active, or engaging in athletic activities.

SUD is a growing concern in the athletic community, and athletes need to seek treatment if they are struggling with substance abuse. With the right support and care, athletes can overcome SUD and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

If you or a loved one is an athlete struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), it is important to take action now. Sober living homes can provide the support and structure you need to overcome addiction and maintain a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. With the help of Real Recovery’s supportive community, you can achieve your athletic goals and reclaim your life from the grip of substance abuse. Don’t wait any longer; take the first step toward recovery today. To learn more about managing SUD as an athlete and how to best utilize the resources in sober living to achieve your goals, reach out to Real Recovery Sober Living today at (727) 290-9156.