Teen Athletes -The Not-So-New Face Of Substance Abuse

As we continue to educate the general public about different types of addiction and how to overcome addiction, it is increasingly obvious that teen athletes are at high risk for substance abuse.  While risk of injury and pain pills is a huge factor, there is also something about being a high school athlete and the atmosphere it can produce that makes these teens more likely to engage in partying.  Perhaps it has something to do with competition and wanting to be the best, or the mindset that we are invincible, I don’t know.  Being a great athlete gave me instant praise and gratification, a response I became all too comfortable with.  After watching this important piece by WCVB on teen athlete addiction in Massachusetts,  I remember that addiction and substance abuse is not so new to teen athletes, opiates and heroin have just made it more difficult to turn a blind eye to underage partying.   We also know that underage partying increases the risk of addiction.  Regardless, parents need to understand these risks to be in the best position possible for prevention.