While most persons realize that many of today’s adolescents are substance users of varying degrees and types, many don’t equate substance abuse and/or dependency with youthful athletes. Sadly, this is an all too frequently seen occurrence. For coaches, parents, educators, or clinicians whointeract with or relate to youth regularly and want to try to understand and recognize this phenomenon when they see it, this article might assist you in this process. In addition, some recommendations are given as to what to do should the individual become concerned about a teen athlete who is abusing and/or addicted to various substances.
