PISCATAWAY, N.J., Nov 16, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- College athletes who use
performance-enhancing substances may be at higher risk of other substance abuse,
U.S. researchers found.
Study co-author Dr. Robert J. Pandina, director of the Center of Alcohol Studies
at Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J., said the study involved 234 male
athletes at one university.
The study, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, found that
those who used performance enhancers -- ranging from steroids to stimulants to
weight-loss supplements -- were more likely to admit to heavy drinking and using
drugs like marijuana and cocaine.
In addition, these students had elevated rates of alcohol- and drug-related
problems, such as missing classes, failing tests or getting into fights.
Study leader Dr. Jennifer F. Buckman, assistant research professor at the Center
of Alcohol Studies, found that nearly one-third of the athletes acknowledged
using a performance-enhancing substance in the past year, such as banned
substances like steroids, creatine, "Andro," stimulants and weight-loss aids.
Seventy percent said they had used marijuana and one-third admitted using
cocaine, vs. 22 percent and 3 percent of athletes who said they did not use
performance enhancers. These students also had higher rates of smoking, binge
drinking and prescription-drug misuse.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International