Citation

Collins GB, Pippenger CE, Janesz JW. Cleve. Clin. Q. 1984; 51(3): 485-492.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Cleveland Clinic Foundation)

DOI

10.3949/ccjm.51.3.485

PMID

6499193

Abstract

The authors describe the first comprehensive drug-abuse program established for a professional American football team through a cooperative effort by the team's management and a psychiatrist/substance-abuse specialist. Cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol were the major drugs abused. Contributing factors included developmental immaturity, unhealthy environment, isolation, idle time, high income, overreliance on athletic talent, and minimal accountability. A total team commitment was mobilized to deal with the complex problems of the drug-involved player. This program has led to significant improvement in 75% of cases over an 18-month period. All participating players have improved their playing ability. The approach described here is offered as a model for use by professional athletic organizations and offers hope that the current epidemic of drug abuse among professional athletes can be abated.

Language: en