How many times have you heard about doping or heavy medication in the athletic industry? For decades, the news has flooded with cases about bodybuilders using heavy amounts of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) like anabolic steroids and football players becoming addicted to pain pills. Still, would you ever consider that one of the biggest drug problems in our country (the Opioid Crisis) would find its way into the athletic programs in public schools? According to recent reports, the rate of injury and opioid use has climbed significantly among young athletes, driven (and nearly pushed to the brink of exhaustion) to succeed. Ultimately, this could also make us consider this question: how early is too early for a child to get started in rigorous sports? Let’s take a closer look at the situation and find out more about how opioids are having a severe impact on youth sports programs.
Childhood Orthopedic Surgery
Unfortunately, the jump from youth sports to opioid addiction isn’t a far leap, as recent studies have shown. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 7 million injuries related to sports and recreational activities occurring on a yearly basis are suffered by youth aged 5 to 24 years. Also, did you know that the number of youth undergoing orthopedic surgery related to sports injuries has skyrocketed in recent years? In fact, 50% of patients who required these surgical procedures were aged 15 to 19 years old.
Managing Pain in Young Athletes
When you consider how a child can manage mild to excruciating pain following orthopedic surgery, some of you may agree that opioids could be effective for a short while. However, consider that 15% of kids only received this medication from doctors for manageable conditions. Of these children, 1 out of 2,600 patients required a visit to an emergency room. Likewise, let’s not forget that opioids, simply put, are dangerously addictive and can lead to terrible behavioral problems down the road.
Even more disturbing, recent reports confirm that one new locker room trend has begun to emerge: exchanging opioids with teammates. Now, you may see why the problem with childhood opioid use is so terrifying.
Always remember that opioids do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
