Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Chronic pain in retired NFL players can lead to misuse of painkillers
By Staff Writer
Football players are prone to potentially serious collisions and injuries. For chronic pain treatment, many of these athletes are prescribed medication such as painkillers. New research indicates that these individuals misuse these opioid drugs.
A new study conducted by investigators from Washington University's School of Medicine has found that retired NFL players use painkillers at a higher rate than most people. The research, which is published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, involved participation from 644 former NFL players who retired from football between 1979 and 2006.
Following a series of questions regarding the former players' health, pain levels and medication use, the researchers found that 7 percent of this population were currently taking painkilling opioid drugs.
It was discovered that a number of players with suspected-but-undiagnosed concussions said they had borrowed medication from others to treat their chronic pain and remain in the NFL. In addition, the researchers found that retired players who are currently misusing opioid drugs are more likely to be heavy drinkers.
The researchers believe that all NFL players should be monitored for injuries. Misuse of painkillers can lead these individuals to develop an opiate addiction or have other harmful effects on one's health.
