What Is the Relationship Between Sports-Related Injuries and Addiction?

People are exposed to drugs through a variety of channels. For some, it starts in an experimental phase in college, while others access them from their parents who also struggle with substance use disorder (SUD). However, many become dependent on drugs because they're prescribed medications to manage sports-related injuries. These issues surround dependency as they relate to sport-related injuries sometimes become an issue within teenagers and adolescents. Even the most common of injuries can lead to dependency, and parents should be aware of this risk when helping their children recover from these injuries. 

So, how can we help with the problem of individuals and youth becoming dependent on substances? There's no simple answer. However, spreading awareness about the risks of substance and how they connect to sport-related injuries and improving youth education programs can make a significant difference. Unfortunately, some are already struggling. If you become dependent on drugs because of a sports-related injury, know you're not alone. West Coast Recovery Centers can help you heal and recover. 

How Do We Become Exposed to Drug Use?

As mentioned, the avenues in which people become exposed to drugs and substance use are far and wide. For many, it's a learned behavior. Growing up in homes where parents struggle with substance use can significantly increase the risk of developing SUD because of genetic and environmental factors. 

Others are exposed to drugs during their teenage or adolescent years. Peer pressure, the need to fit in, or the urge to manage complex emotions can all lead these youth toward experimentation. Of course, not everyone who experiments with drugs during these years becomes dependent. Nevertheless, when certain factors are in play – for instance, genetics, environment, abuse, and trauma – the risk of drug addiction drastically increases. 

Sports-Related Injuries and Mental Health

Our main focus for today is the correlation between sports-related injuries and drug addiction. However, we'd be remiss if we neglected to acknowledge how sports-related injuries can negatively impact a person's mental health. 

For athletes and individuals who simply ove playing sports, the game becomes part of their identity. When faced with a sports injury, these individuals can lose their sense of identity. It's not uncommon for these people to: 

• Experience low self-esteem 
• Struggle with depression and sadness 
• Become anxious about reinjury
• Feel angry and frustrated by the situation 
• Withdrawal from friends and family 

These factors alone are enough for a person to turn toward substance use as a coping mechanism. When supporting someone coping with an injury, it may be prudent to recommend therapy or other resources to help them develop healthy coping skills. Of course, one can only do so much, if the person in question doesn't want the help. 

Adolescents and Sports-Related Injuries

Now, one reason to focus on sports injuries among adolescents is because they're extremely common. From ankle sprains to bone growth plate injuries, millions of adolescents suffer from injuries annually. 

The reality is that kids are going to get hurt. Instead of asking what can be done to prevent these injuries, we should ask what the most effective interventions to manage them are. Doctors may recommend physical therapy or taking a break from the activity. However, pain medication is typically recommended, and in some cases, it leads to more than just over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. 

What's the Connection Between Sports-Related Injuries and Drug Use?

From trains, sprains, back pain, fractures, and everything in between, athletes experience the full gamut of sports-related injuries. In serious situations, the pain is so excruciating that prescription medications are a necessary evil to help the individual function. Other times, surgery is required, which also means prescription medications will be involved in helping the person manage their pain. The issue is that more often than not, these prescriptions are opioids that can easily be misused and abused. 

Opioids are highly addictive, especially due to the intense stimulation of the dopamine reward system. The more stimulated the brain becomes, the greater need a person has for the drug. Dependency is always a risk. Adding additional factors, like pressure to perform, co-occurring mental health conditions, or a family history of SUD, the risk increases. 

How Can We Resolve the Issue?

We all want an effective resolution for the problem at hand, but the unfortunate reality is that there isn't one. Thankfully, we have more resources available for individuals struggling with opioid or prescription drug addiction. Additionally, more people are focusing on alternative and holistic treatment plans to manage their sports-related injuries. That includes seeing doctors who are more mindful and vigilant of the risk of overprescribing prescription opioids, especially to high-risk adults and youth.  

The best thing anyone can do is be mindful of their prescription drug use, whether or not they're seeking treatment for a sports-related injury. These substances have risks and can be dangerous. We must research, learn the risks, and outweigh the benefits with the consequences before putting anything in our bodies. 

For more information about the risks associated with prescription drugs or to seek treatment, visit our website or contact West Coast Recovery Centers today. 

How individuals are exposed to drugs and substance use throughout their lifetime is far and wide. Some begin experimenting in high school, while others observe substance use behaviors within their families. However, many people are exposed to drugs, specifically prescription opioids, because of a sports-related injury. Millions of individuals, including teenagers and adolescents, experience sports-related injuries annually. Opioids are often prescribed to help manage the pain, but these medications are easy to misuse and abuse, and can quickly lead to dependency. There's no sure way to solve the problem, but educating ourselves and understanding the risks is a start. Call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509  to learn more or seek treatment for yourself or a loved one today.