NCJ Number
126354
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1989) Pages: 38-45
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study collects information from head athletic trainers in NCAA Division I universities to review the current state of drug testing and drug education implementation on a national scale. Data were collected with regard to the type of drug education used, the drugs most used by athletes, the costs of the tests, and the policies followed by university athletic department concerning athletes who test positive on one or more occasions.
Abstract
Data for this study were derived from a 31-item questionnaire mailed to the head athletic trainers in Division I NCAA universities. The Division I Conferences who returned questionnaires were the Atlantic Coast, the Big Eight, Pac Ten, the Big Ten, Southeastern, Western Atlantic, and Independent Colleges participating in Division I football. The percentage of athletes testing positive is relatively low. The drug most abused by athletes is reportedly alcohol; however, 64 percent of the trainers reported that alcohol is not tested in their program. Drug testing is seen as contributing to reducing the incidence of drug abuse among college athletes; however, the extra expense places a significant stress on the trainers. Less than 5 percent of the athletes test positive. A need exists for drug education as an added aspect to the overall drug prevention program. 4 tables and 11 references. (Author abstract modified)