Citation

Thomas JO, Dunn M, Swift W, Burns L. Clin. J. Sport. Med. 2010; 20(3): 189-192.

Affiliation

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JSM.0b013e3181df5f87

PMID

20445359

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perceived risks and benefits that elite athletes associate with illicit drugs and their beliefs concerning the effects of recreational drug use on athletic performance. DESIGN: Self-administered survey. PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred seventy-four elite athletes (mean age, 23 years; range, 18-30 years) were recruited from 8 national sporting organizations in Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport. INTERVENTIONS: Participants completed a self-administered survey that included questions exploring participants' perceptions regarding the effects of illicit drug use on physical performance. SETTING: National sporting organization meetings or competitions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure was risk perception on athletic performance associated with illicit drug use. RESULTS: The majority of athletes believed that illicit drug use would impact negatively on athletic performance. The main perceived effects of illicit drugs on athletic performance were physical and mental functioning. A minority of athletes indicated that drug use would not impact on physical performance when taken during the off-season or in moderation. CONCLUSIONS: The main risks perceived in association with illicit drug use were short-term consequences, such as physical and mental functioning, rather than long-term health consequences. The current findings may contribute to the development of harm reduction strategies that communicate drug-related consequences to elite athletes in an appropriate and effective manner.

Language: en