Sports Psychology

Substance Abuse The ancient Greek writer Epictetus, who lived nearly 2,000 years ago, recommended that athletes avoid drinking wine, lest it affect their performance and judgment. Many modern athletes face the same challenges of performance, judgment, and substance abuse that the Greeks did. Sports psychologists help athletes to understand the risks of substance abuse, as well as treatment options that can help them to re-gain and maintain control over their lives. Former NHL hockey player Devin Setoguchi developed a drinking problem after a demotion to the minor leagues. Frustrated at the huge reduction in his salary and being banished to play on a team in a town of 14,000, he began drinking an entire bottle of whiskey each morning to manage his emotions. “It built up to where I could drink four or five beers and go play and score a goal and an assist,” said Setoguchi. “Do it again, do it again, do it again.” “The NHL, it’s a high-stress job,” said Setoguchi’s former teammate, Kris Versteeg. “There’s a lot you go through on a daily basis that people don’t really see.” Alcohol also destroyed the career of French Olympian Casey Legler, who set a freestyle swimming record during practice despite being hungover, only to finish dead last the very next day of finals competition. Drinking was common on her Olympic training team, Legler remembers, with her addiction beginning at the age of just 12. These experiences with substance abuse are not unique. Many athletes use and abuse substances, for any number of reasons: to relieve stress, to manage anxiety, to fit in with teammates, or because of peer pressure. Alcohol is commonly abused, because it is available almost everywhere and costs relatively little, but it is not the only substance that leads to problems. Tobacco use is prevalent across many sports: up until 2016, chewing tobacco (“dip”) companies could leave

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Sports Psychology