A Culturally Sensitive Approach to Treating Substance Abuse in Athletes Using Evidence-Supported Methods

Abstract

Substance abuse in athletes is both prevalent and dangerous, leading to its international recognition as a public health concern. In recent controlled trials, behavioral prevention programs have been shown to reduce alcohol use in collegiate student athletes who are at-risk for alcohol abuse, with outcomes appearing to be enhanced when family members are prescriptively involved. However, no interventions have been found to decrease alcohol or drug use frequency in controlled trials involving athletes who have been diagnosed with substance abuse, and no prescribed clinical interventions for substance abuse have been tailored to accommodate the unique needs of competitive athletes. As an initial step in this development, we review an evidenced-supported behavioral treatment program modified for use with athletes. Optimizing the support of significant others, this innovative treatment approach comprehensively targets multiple areas of mental health while emphasizing cultural enlightenment. Recommendations are offered, including the great need for controlled treatment outcome research specific to substance abuse in athletes.

A systematic review of interventions to increase awareness of mental health and well-being in athletes, coaches and officials

“…From the 20 articles, authors agreed upon ten articles to be excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria on at least one level. One article was a review [ 58 ], others were a cohort study [ 59 ], diary study [ 60 ], drug-testing study [ 61 ], a muscular relaxation program [ 62 ], a physical injury prevention intervention [ 63 ], and two others were a description of a mental health charity or included no mental health component. Three articles [ 64 – 66 ] were based on eating disorders and, as discussed above, were subsequently excluded on the basis of a recent systematic review focusing on this topic [ 6 ].…”

Increasing Athlete Knowledge of Mental Health and Intentions to Seek Help: The State of Mind Ireland (SOMI) Pilot Program

“…In terms of content, the program emphasized mental health awareness and sign-posting those with mental health problems to services, as opposed to providing coping strategies to alleviate mental health problems. To achieve improvements in well-being or resilience, a similar approach to previous programs that have reduced depressive symptoms and anxiety could be considered (Donohue et al, 2013;Donohue et al, 2015;Longshore & Sachs, 2015). For enhancement of the program, one session is likely not enough to achieve increased well-being or resilience.…”

Examination of Drinking Habits and Motives of Collegiate Student-Athletes

“…Research indicates that this difference is likely to be caused by the socializing and bonding factor of drinking with teammates (Brenner & Swanik, 2007). These behaviors may begin at the high school level where Caucasian male high school students involved in team sports have been found to report more substance (e.g., alcohol, stimulants, and anabolic steroids) use than their nonathlete peers (Donohue, Pitts, Gavrilova, Ayarza, & Cintron, 2013).…”