DRUGGED ATHLETES: The Crisis in American Sports

by Jonathan Harris ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1987

They come from dealers, from friends, from coaches and teammates. They relieve pain and stress, for a while, and sometimes improve performance. So why are they dangerous? In analyzing a vast amount of published research, as well as the results of his own inquiries, the author shows how the temptation to use drugs--or, in the case of many coaches, to dispense them--can be overwhelming. He goes on to describe both the short- and long-term effects of drug abuse, the ways that professional leagues and the NCAA are trying to cope with the problem, several rehabilitative techniques which have been proven moderately successful, and some preventive programs. In his catalog of pressures placed on athletes, Harris devotes a chapter to racism and how it is becoming more overt in several organized sports. For readers who want further information, a gratifyingly large annotated bibliography is appended. Dolan's Drugs in Sports (1986) is briefer and aimed at a somewhat younger audience. A well-organized, clearly reasoned study.

Pub Date: June 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 192

Publisher: Four Winds/Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S