Alcoholism and Athletes

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are different from one another. Alcoholism is defined as a physical dependency on alcohol and continued drinking despite the negative effects it has on a person’s health. In alcohol abuse, a person’s drinking causes problems, but not physical addiction. Continuous alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism because the person’s body develops a tolerance to the alcohol. According to a study done on alcohol dependence in 2010, men who regularly consume more than 15 drinks a week and women who regularly consume at least 12 drinks a week are at risk for developing alcoholism.

Binge drinking has become part of the college lifestyle for many young people, particularly young athletes who are under constant pressure to perform both in school and athletically. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism in athletes can have a significant impact on athletic performance, which can help coaches and athletic trainers spot a growing problem more quickly.

Effects of Alcoholism on Muscle Development and Recovery

For athletes who are constantly breaking down their muscles, alcoholism can have a severe effect on their recovery. Human growth hormone (HGH) is an anabolic hormone that is responsible for muscle growth. Long-term alcohol use can decrease the body’s levels of HGH and make it difficult for an athlete’s muscles to repair and strengthen following a strenuous workout. The presence of alcohol in the body also causes the liver to produce a compound that is toxic to testosterone, another hormone involved in muscle development and endurance.

Psychological Effects of Alcoholism on Athletes

When a person uses alcohol, multiple areas of the brain (the cerebral cortex, the limbic system, the hypothalamus and the medulla) are affected. The cerebral cortex and cerebellum are responsible for voluntary movements and a person’s muscle movement respectively. Damage caused by alcohol use can inhibit a person’s reaction time. The hippocampus, (contained in the limbic system), is the area of the brain responsible for the consolidation of both short-term and long-term memory. It is also involved in spatial orientation. Damage to the hippocampus can be seriously detrimental to a person’s athletic performance because their ability to learn new techniques and navigate their surroundings can be compromised with long-term abuse. In addition, alcohol disrupts a person’s sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult for a person to consolidate their memories. The lack of sleep caused by alcohol consumption also makes it difficult for athletes to focus during a practice and retain any new information they are learning.

Alcoholism and Nutrition

For any athlete, eating quality foods with a nutritional purpose is an important component of maintaining their bodies for their sport. Alcohol contains no vitamins, minerals or macronutrients. It is readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract after consumption and cannot be stored. Instead, alcohol is oxidized in the liver where there are available enzymes to facilitate the process. Most alcoholics get their daily caloric requirements from drinking, but their bodies are severely malnourished. Athletes who abuse alcohol cannot perform technically like their peers, and poor nutrition is at least partially to blame for that.

Find Treatment Centers for Alcoholism

If you or someone you love is an athlete struggling with alcoholism, please call our toll-free number and speak to one of our trained counselors about your alcohol treatment options.