Athletes face unique challenges when it comes to addiction, often stemming from injury-related opioid use, performance pressure, or mental health struggles. According to research, athletes may be at increased risk for substance misuse due to chronic pain and the culture of endurance in competitive sports. This underscores the importance of integrated care that includes physical rehabilitation, mental health support, and relapse prevention tools designed for high-performing individuals.
In Van Nuys, CA, we offer specialized treatment programs that offer tailored support for athletes. We work to address both the physical demands and psychological stress of athletic life. These programs prioritize confidentiality, injury-informed care, and performance-focused recovery strategies. Our programs combine evidence-based therapies with holistic support to help athletes regain control and thrive beyond recovery.
Common Addictions in Athletes
Athletes are often seen as paragons of physical and mental strength, yet many silently battle addiction. These addictions not only jeopardize athletic careers but also pose serious risks to long-term health, emotional stability, and overall quality of life. But many athletes may see no other way to cope with the high expectations upon them, especially if they’re constantly training or are surrounded by people encouraging them to do whatever it takes to win.
Common addictions in athletes include:
- Alcohol: Often used to cope with stress or social pressure. Binge drinking in particular can be prevalent among student-athletes.
- Marijuana: This can be used for managing pain or for relaxation, especially if it is legal in their location. Cannabis products in general have replaced tobacco as the second most common addictive substance used by athletes.
- Anabolic steroids: Competitive athletes may “juice” in pursuit of an edge over their opponents or fast recovery after competition. They may feel pressured to use performance enhancing drugs if they perceive that their competitors are using them to compete.
- Spit Tobacco: Linked to tradition in certain sports; 15% of male athletes use it.
- Opioids: Many athletes use opioid medications (sometimes referred to as painkillers) to support recovering from injuries. Abuse of prescribed medications, or seeking out stronger substances after treatment has ended, may take place as a result.
Athletes may decide to use addictive substances on their own, or with the encouragement of team members and coaches. Either way, asking for help with addiction (or even admitting there is a problem) can feel difficult or more complicated than it is for non-athletes.
Opioids
Opioids remain one of the most urgent public health challenges in the United States, particularly among youth and young adults. Although recent data indicates a decline in overdose deaths, the prevalence of misuse and addiction continues to be alarmingly high. Prescription medications, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl fuel a multifaceted crisis that spans all demographics. Early exposure (especially before age 15) dramatically increases the likelihood of long-term dependency and associated mental and physical health complications.
Opioid Usage Statistics (2024–2025)
Category | Statistic |
Total Overdose Deaths (2024) | 80,391 (down 26.9% from 2023) |
Opioid-Related Deaths (2024) | 54,743 (down from 83,140 in 2023) |
Prescription Pain Med Use (Youth) | 2.2% |
Prescription Pain Med Use (Adults) | 3.1% |
Heroin Usage (Youth) | 0.1% |
Heroin Usage (Adults) | 2.4% |
Highest Usage Age Group | 39% usage rate for ages 18-25 |
Gender Disparity | 19.1% for males, 14.6% for females |
Urban vs. Rural Usage | 25.3% in metro areas, 22.4% in rural areas |
Early Drug Use Risk | 6.5x higher risk if use begins before age 15 |
Signs of Addiction in Athletes
Addiction in athletes can be challenging to identify, particularly when strong performance and discipline conceal underlying issues. Despite outward success, subtle behavioral, physical, and emotional changes often point to deeper struggles with substance use. These warning signs may develop slowly or become more pronounced during injury recovery, off-season downtime, or periods of personal or professional stress.
Common signs of addiction in athletes include:
- Decline in Performance: Sudden drops in stamina, focus, or motivation.
- Isolation: Avoiding teammates, coaches, or social events.
- Mood Swings: Increased irritability, anxiety, or depressive symptoms.
- Secretive Behavior: Hiding substances or lying about usage.
- Physical Symptoms: Weight changes, poor hygiene, or frequent injuries.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing practices, games, or academic obligations.
- Risk-Taking: Reckless behavior on or off the field.
These signs may vary based on the substance used and the athlete’s environment, but consistent patterns often point to a need for professional support.
Causes of Addiction in Athletes
Addiction in athletes often arises from a multifaceted blend of physical, psychological, and environmental pressures. The relentless pursuit of peak performance can result in chronic stress, burnout, and emotional strain. The ingrained cultures in competitive sports often discourages emotional openness, causing mental health challenges to go unnoticed and untreated. This can increase vulnerability to substance misuse.
Primary causes of addiction in athletes can include:
Cause | Description |
Performance Pressure | Intense expectations from coaches, fans, and self can lead to substance use for stress relief or enhancement. |
Injury Recovery | Prescription opioids and painkillers are commonly used post-injury, increasing risk of misuse. |
Mental Health Challenges | Depression, anxiety, and trauma are often underreported and untreated in athletic populations. |
Culture of Endurance | “Play through pain” mentalities discourage seeking help, which can encourage risky behaviors. |
Lack of Support Systems | Limited access to mental health resources or peer support increases vulnerability. |
Understanding these root causes is essential for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies tailored to athletes’ unique needs.
Performance Enhancement
It may seem obvious that athletes may use addictive substances to give themselves an edge over their competition. But this can have multiple aspects when it comes to actual drug use.
- Substance Use: Includes stimulants, anabolic steroids, and hormone boosters to improve strength, endurance, or focus.
- Risks: Can lead to addiction, cardiovascular issues, mood disorders, and long-term health complications.
- Mental Pressure: Athletes may feel compelled to use enhancers due to competition, expectations, or fear of failure.
- Detection: Many substances are banned and detectable through routine drug testing.
- Alternatives: Nutrition, sleep optimization, and mental conditioning offer safer performance gains.
- Education: Prevention programs help athletes understand risks and promote ethical training practices.
Dealing with Pressure
To say that athletes operate in high-pressure environments is a simplification. Depending on the individual, there may be several factors that contribute to a stressful environment for athletes.
- Mental Stress: High expectations from coaches, fans, and self can lead to anxiety and burnout.
- Coping Mechanisms: Some athletes turn to substances to manage stress, risking dependency.
- Healthy Outlets: Mindfulness, individual therapy, and peer support can reduce emotional strain. But time and culture may limit an athlete’s access to these resources.
- Time Management: Balancing training, academics, and personal life helps maintain stability. But different forces and pressures may make it difficult to achieve balance.
- Early Intervention: Recognizing emotional distress early prevents escalation into addiction. But not everyone in an athlete’s life may have the knowledge and/or inclination to monitor their substance use.
Healing from Injury
Injuries are more than just inconveniences for athletes. There may be much more at risk than just their physical health, including future career potential or immediate financial well-being.
- Physical Recovery: Requires rest, rehabilitation, and gradual return to activity that may feel “too long.”
- Pain Management: Often involves prescription medications, which carry addiction risks.
- Emotional Impact: Injuries can trigger depression, anxiety, or identity loss.
- Pressure to Return: External expectations may lead to rushed recovery and/or substance misuse to force recovery to proceed ahead of schedule.
- Alternative Therapies: Physical therapy, acupuncture, and holistic care support healing without dependency. But efforts to add these to a regimen may be faced with resistance.
- Mental Health Support: Counseling can help athletes cope with setbacks and maintain motivation.
- Education: Teaching safe recovery practices reduces long-term harm and promotes resilience. But athletes for whom substance use is normalized may not recognize warning signs.
Addiction Treatment Options for Athletes
Specialized addiction treatment for athletes demands a multidimensional approach that supports both physical healing and psychological resilience. Effective programs combine evidence-based therapies (such as cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care) with performance-sensitive strategies that respect the athlete’s identity and long-term goals.
Injury-informed support and peer mentorship can further enhance recovery by addressing the unique challenges athletes face, fostering connection, accountability, and sustainable wellness both on and off the field. Confidentiality is essential, allowing athletes to seek help without fear.
Common Treatment Options for Athletes:
- Individual Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatments tailored to address athletics-based stress.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Used for opioid or alcohol dependence, often combined with therapy.
- Group Therapy: Peer support groups, including athlete-specific recovery communities.
- Holistic Approaches: Yoga, mindfulness, nutrition counseling, and physical rehabilitation.
- Dual Diagnosis Care: For athletes with co-occurring mental health disorders, so treatment is comprehensive and athletes feel empowered.
Treatment that is designed to specifically address the needs of athletes can help them rebuild their confidence and maintain long-term sobriety.
Receive Help for Addiction at Lennox CMHC
At Lennox CMHC, we understand the unique challenges athletes face when struggling with addiction. Whether it’s substance misuse tied to injury recovery, performance pressure, or co-occurring mental health conditions, our team offers compassionate, confidential care tailored to your needs.
We specialize in evidence-based treatment that supports both physical healing and emotional resilience, helping athletes regain control and thrive beyond recovery. Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed therapists, addiction specialists, and wellness professionals who work collaboratively to create personalized treatment plans.
If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step, we’re here to help. Contact our admissions team to discuss your options, ask questions, or schedule a confidential assessment. Contact us to get started today. Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone at Lennox CMHC.