WHEN THE GAME SLOWS DOWN…
BE READY TO CHANGE PACE.
Injury can change everything in an instant. For athletes, it’s not just about healing the body; it’s about protecting the mind, spirit, and future. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, trainer, or healthcare provider, you play a role in supporting recovery and preventing risks that can follow, like opioid misuse.
Athletes Train to Win—But Injuries Can Change the Game.
Whether it’s football, rodeo, or track, most athletes expect some bumps and bruises. But what many don’t expect is how those injuries—and the medications prescribed to treat them—can open the door to serious risks.
Football and Drug Use: A Dangerous Link
Playing football may increase a high schooler’s risk of drug use—not just performance enhancers, but prescription painkillers, too. The pressure to stay in the game, combined with high-impact collisions, puts players at greater risk of injury—and exposure to opioids.
Fact: High school football players are among the most frequently injured youth athletes in the country.
Fact: Athletes, especially at elite levels, use substances more than non-athletes—including painkillers and stimulants.
It’s More Than Physical.
Injuries aren’t just hard on the body—they can mess with your head. Athletes sidelined by injury often face:
- Isolation from teammates
- Pressure to return quickly
- Identity loss or depression
- Fear of losing scholarships or roles
All of these can make it harder to say no to pills or substances used to cope.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves.
- 90% of student athletes experience a sports-related injury.
- 54% say they continue playing even while injured.
- Many are prescribed opioid-based painkillers during recovery, sometimes without understanding the risks.
What Does This Mean for You?
Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or a coach, it’s important to know:
- Injuries happen.
- Support matters.
- Early education on safe recovery and pain management can make a life-changing difference.