Bonnie A. Franckowiak DNP, FNP, CARN-AP A performance enhancing drug (PED) is any substance that is used to increase muscle mass, dull pain, reduce weight, or ease stress. Their use is a growing concern among adolescents, due in part to the pressures to perform, the influence of professional role models, and a general lack of education about the dangers of these substances. Most users participate in school sponsored athletic programs, but 30-40% do not participate, and are at risk of being overlooked. Although PED use is not as prevalent as use of other illicit drugs, they still pose a threat to adolescent physical and mental health. Their use provides a “teachable moment” for discussion about other drugs and alcohol. Performance – Enhancing Drugs (PED) and the High School Athlete Bonnie A. Franckowiak, DNP, FNP, CARN-AP Addiction Matters, Inc. Ellicott City, MD 1-3 million Americans have used anabolic steroids (AMA, 2010) Various studies estimate rates of use by HS athletes: PED use - 10 to 23% Steroid use to 5.4 % 20 – 50% report feeling influenced by professional role models. Studies report that use also extends to middle school grades (CDC, 2010) Anabolic steroids: most commonly used PED. Side effects include: Headache Baldness Strokes Blood clots Nausea, Bloating Impotence Also: *Decreased sperm count *Decreased testicular size *Gynecomastia *Prostate enlargement *Mood swings/ “Roid rage” *Liver & kidney damage *Bowel problems *Amenorrhea in females *Weakening and injury of tendons, aching joints 1.To increase muscle mass 2.To decrease weight 3.To ease stress 4.To dull pain Other Factors in use: * Pressure to perform * Performance = Success * “winning at any cost” * College scholarships * To impress opposite sex * Body image concerns * Lack of knowledge * Professional role models Why isn’t more being done about PEDs? 1. Public attention is focused on professional athletes. 2. Difficult to research PEDs (human subjects). 3.General population use of PEDs began in the 1980s – 1990s – no long term studies yet. 4. Use is covert. 5.Mistrust of health care providers – use is kept secret. 6. Statistics do not capture non-athlete users, keeping incidence & prevalence numbers low. Performance Enhancers: “Any substance that increases a person’s physical ability and stamina.” (W.H.O.) Any substance that is perceived to enhance athletic performance. (ThePartnershipAtDrugFree.org) Definition Why PEDs are Used Steroid Use Incidence ABSTRACT CONTACT A study of 2793 middle and high school students across U.S looked at 5 behaviors: - changing eating habits - exercising - protein powders - steroids - other muscle-enhancing substances Findings: 34.7% - Use of protein powders and shakes 5.9% - Use of steroids Rates of use generally higher among boys and among those involved in team sports. Overweight girls were more likely to use protein powders or shakes. Eisenberg et al Health Behaviors REPLACE THIS BOX WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION’S HIGH RESOLUTION LOGO How Can We Prevent PED Use? 1. Educate student athletes. 2. Encourage parental involvement. 3. Work to counter pro-drug messages. 4. Know what to look for. 5. Monitor for use….And just talk. Discussion Signs of PED Use 1. Aggression / mood swings 2. Problems with friends 3. Rapid changes in body shape. 4. Excessive hair growth or acne. 5. Excessive time spent in the gym. 6 Preoccupation with appearance 7. Voices changes (especially girls