Drug problem in American athletes : The psychological background

Abstract

Drug use in athletes is one of the more serious problems in the United States. The purpose of this study is to clarify American athletes' psychological and psycho.social tendencies in competition as well as in every day life in relation to drug use and then to try to discuss the solution to drug problems in athletics. After the nature of drug use by American athletes is introduced, the following two main areas are discussed: stress (competition and life situations) and additional psychological factor; (American pharmacopoeia, sensation seeking, aggression, suspicion against opponent, and immaturity of athletes). Finally drug testing, education, and psychological management (counseling, psychiatric treatment and stress management) are emphasized as methods of coping with drug problems in athletes.