by T. GISKI

Created on: March 16, 2009   Last Updated: March 20, 2009

It seems as though now-a-days, every time you turn around, there is a new story about a professional, collegiate, Olympic, or other prominent athletic figure who has been either caught using or testing positive for illegal substances. Whether it be a performance-enhancing drug, or "recreational"-type drug, children who idolize such superstars of their sport can be wrongly influenced. Although most people agree that athletes, as well as all celebrities, have a certain amount of responsibility to exhibit good ethical and moral choices, including choosing to be drug-free, unfortunately that is not always the case. Even though these athletes may not wish to be "role models" for children, the truth of the matter is that they ARE role models to many young fans and aspiring athletes who look up to their skills and their performance on the court, the field, a ring, or a pool.

Since parents can not (and should not) depend on athletes to be a moral compass, the biggest responsibility lies with parents and guardians, to teach their children by using the athletes as an example, the meaning of honesty and integrity as well as the harmful effects that drugs have on their health and ultimately their happiness.

An open and honest conversation between a parent/guardian and children (especially teens and pre-teens who are old enough to be subjected to the drugs themselves, and who also understand the situation and grasp the ramifications of the drug use) can be very effective. While an athlete who is "using" shouldn't be held on a pedestal for his/her actions, the fact is these very public figures can be a perfect way to spur a conversation on drug use. It is a way for a parent to have an extremely impacting "drug-talk" with their child in a non-accusatory, and non-threatening manner. Talk directly, in an age-appropriate manner, and make sure to hit upon some major topics, including:

How drugs can ruin someone future and their reputation: Athletes at an elite level work incessantly on perfecting their skills, and put in hours of daily practice and training. The sad truth is that they often lose sponsors and face possibly being banned or suspended from the sport they play because of the poor decision to use drugs. All of their training and hard work is in essence, a complete waste of time. The effects that drugs have on people who use them: Drugs have physical side effects, including, ranging from increased heart rate (which can lead to heart attack, stroke or even death) to fertility problems, kidney failure, tumors and stunted growth. Addiction is possible, as well as future illness, physical abnormalities, and psychological problems ranging from anger to depression and more. Also worth mentioning is the fact that they cause emotional stress and financial strain on the athlete as well as their friends and family.

No one really ever "gets away" with using drugs: Everyone, even rich or famous athletes will and have been caught in the act, and have paid the consequences. Not only do they face criminal charges, but can lose their jobs as professional-level players, or sponsored athletes as well.

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