Binge Drinking In College Sports

Compared to nonathletic college students, collegiate athletes are at a higher risk of developing heavy drinking patterns. Heavy drinking or binge drinking can lead to consequences such as unintended injuries, alcohol-induced medical complications and reduced psychical and athletic performance. Athletes are found to be in high stress situations due to the high demand of class and classwork, performing well athletically, and meeting expectations placed upon them by coaches and parents. Many athletes turn to alcohol to relieve some of the stress they feel during their athletic seasons, which can lead to negative consequences regarding their athletic performances. Even in college, peers can play a heavy role in the development of binge drinking …show more content…
Many substances in energy drinks are extremely potent and the body cannot tolerate the amount of potency. This can lead to liver complications, slower cognitive abilities, and decreased functionality of hormone receptors. On top of that, when combined with alcohol, energy drinks can cause new problems in the body. The combination can lead to hypoglycemia, with the side effects ranging from dizziness and clumsiness, to rapid heart beat, and even to brain damage,. Also, those athletes who drink energy drinks and alcohol can permanently suffer from neurotransmitter imbalances, which can lead to depression and anxiety disorders. However, there are a few positives of combining energy drinks and alcohol. The B-vitamins the energy drinks have been found to reduce hangovers, and decreased intoxication levels (Conrad, 2010). Although, these may seem like advantages to collegiate athletics, the negative medical problems that may arise from the consumption of energy drink and alcohol can be detrimental to an athlete’s performance.
Alcohol can have biological effects on the body that can effect an athlete and athletic play. Previous studies have found alcohol can negatively effect the way the body repairs itself after exercise. Rehydration, glycogen repletion, and hormonal changes can all be effected. In a previous study, it was found that alcohol can have an effect on an athlete’s ability to perform jumping …show more content…
Up to 88% of athletes have reported using alcohol, some athletes even reported using alcohol in junior high and high school (Brien & Lyons, 2000). Looking at these reports, it is obvious that alcohol use by collegiate athletes is a significant problem across the country, which is why the NCAA has made alcohol education a priority. Unfortunately, despite the educational programs there are some athletes who believe that alcohol enhances their athletic ability. However, athletic ability is not enhanced, rather decreases. Alcohol lowers psychomotor skills, does not improve muscle performance, and can weaken the body’s temperature regulation system. It is a performance impairing drug, and a