Five Essential Tips for Preventing Opioid Misuse During Winter Sports Season

Competitive sports build character, support a healthy lifestyle, and provide a lot of fun for young people, and that’s just the start of an endless list of benefits that student athletes will experience during the winter sports season. 

And though the positives are clear, there are potential risks. It’s important to recognize them and be prepared. 

Unfortunately, the link between injuries, prescription painkillers, and the risk of fentanyl misuse is a growing concern. Student athletes can be particularly vulnerable due to the physical and emotional demands of competitive sports. The pressure to perform at a high level and cope with the physical and mental strain of injury can drive some to misuse painkillers and inadvertently spiral into addiction.

Coaches, trainers and parents to educate student athletes about the risks of opioid use. Here are five tips to help protect student athletes this season. Address the potential for misuse before it occurs and help safeguard young lives.

1. Have Open Conversations About Injury and Pain 

Keeping an open dialogue is essential – especially when injury occurs. Athletes, parents, and healthcare providers should communicate openly about the risks of opioid painkillers and explore safer alternatives, if possible.

Overall awareness can be a helpful failsafe for protecting young athletes. Make sure they understand the risk of misusing prescription drugs. It’s also important to inform them of the dangers of counterfeit pills, which may be laced with fentanyl.

2. Look Into Alternative Pain Management 

While awareness of the risks of prescription painkillers is growing, there is a tendency to over-prescribe these medications when other methods can be just as effective. Physical therapy, over-the-counter medications, and other non-opioid treatments can be excellent tools for managing injuries. Relying on these alternatives can avoid the risks associated with opioid use.

3. Monitor Prescription Use

Sometimes more painful injuries require more powerful medications. If opioids are prescribed, parents should closely monitor their child’s medication intake. 

• Store the pills securely; it’s best if parents have the sole responsibility for administering the medication
• Maintain strict adherence to the prescribed dosage 

4. Watch for Warning Signs – and Act Fast

Coaches, trainers, and parents should be vigilant in spotting early signs of drug misuse or addiction. Recognizing behavioral changes and seeking intervention quickly can save lives.

Get familiar with the DEA’s list of the signs of addiction. These items are of particular importance for young athletes:

• Difficulties at school: Watch for disinterest in school-related activities and declining grades.
• Changes in physical appearance: Be aware of inappropriate or dirty clothing or a sudden lack of grooming. Other signs include bloodshot eyes, poor skin, tiredness and feeling run down.
• Changes in behavior: Such as an increased desire for privacy or drastic changes in relationships.
• Changes in energy level: Watch for a noticeable lack of energy in class or during sports activities. 
• Changes in appetite: Watch for a decreased appetite or weight loss.

Other important signs include financial troubles, such as spending more money than normal or asking to borrow money. Also notice if your teen gets defensive when asked about drug use. There are recovery resources and services available to help with treatment and prevention.

5. Carry Naloxone

Sometimes people can misuse or become addicted to painkillers despite our best efforts. For those situations, having naloxone [https://wefightfentanyl.org/naloxone/]can reverse an overdose and save a life.  

By emphasizing education, monitoring for misuse, and encouraging safer alternatives, we can help protect student athletes from the risks of fentanyl misuse and ensure their well-being throughout the winter sports season. For more information on fentanyl, opioids and resources that can help with treatment and recovery, explore the Carbon Monroe Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission’s Fight Fentanyl  website.