A National Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by College Athletes

Abstract

In brief This investigation replicated a 1985 study of alcohol and drug use among college athletes. A written questionnaire was administered to 2,282 varsity athletes participating in five men's and five women's sports at 11 institutions. Fewer athletes reported using cocaine, marijuana, or amphetamines in 1989 than in 1985, but increases were reported in the use of smokeless tobacco and major pain medications. Alcohol use and anabolic steroid use remained stable. Athletes' opinions about drug testing were also collected.