Boston is notorious for its vigorous drinking habits, and its athletes are no exception.
Former Boston Celtic player Chris Herren speaks out about the problem with drugs and alcohol among athletes, hoping to reach high school students before they get immersed in it.
Young Boston Athletes And Alcohol The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) hold strict policies about athletes and drinking.
Multiple violations call for suspension and even banishment from teams.
Despite these regulations, some student athletes are never deterred from experimenting with drugs or alcohol.
Just this past month, for example, two hockey players lost their chance to play in the state championship game when they showed up drunk at a dance.
In February, a high school student lost his place on the team after being found with more than a pound of marijuana in his car.
Several athletes were banned from games after they were caught at a beer bash.
Athletes have been suspended for showing drinking or smoking pictures on Facebook.
And these are a mere sample.
Public Awareness Can Stop Drinking Experts say public awareness is key.
The MIAA and school districts are doing everything they can to bring parents and students to understanding of the situation.
Part of this strategy is: • The MIAA requires parents to attend an initial school meeting at the beginning of a season in order to review school policies on drugs and alcohol.
• Policies state that students caught violating MIAA rules will be suspended for one-fourth of the season.
• Many school districts have been including drug and alcohol education in their health classes.
• Every summer the MIAA holds a captain's workshop for student athletes.
• Athletes like Chris Herren establish themselves as opinion leaders and talk to high school athletes about the dangers of substance abuse.
Overboard, or Justified? Parents and athletes may protest the MIAA's drastic measures, but experts say it is time to put an end to the permissiveness that pervades society when it comes to underage drinking.
Social media is rife with teen drug abuse, promoting alcohol at parties and other social settings.
Teens drink to fit in, to gain confidence and to relax.
They may drink because their parents do, or because they want to escape domestic troubles.
They may not consider the effect their drinking may have on their athletic ability and their team.
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, clouding perception and hindering coordination.
Alcohol abuse creates a stigma that may prevent athletic teams from reaching greatness.
Additionally, the long-term health effects of underage alcohol use are well-known.
The teenage body is still developing, and that includes the brain.
Alcohol use during these tender years may result in an IQ drop in adulthood and stunted success.
Though legal policies may not prevent substance abuse among teens, education and a good example might.
Experts encourage parents to talk to their children about alcohol abuse and how it will affect their athletic performance.