Policy on Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Education and Testing

The University of Arkansas Men’s Department of Athletics (UAMDA) recognizes alcohol and other substance abuse as one of the major problems facing student-athletes today. In 2002, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that 19.5 million Americans ages 12 and over were current illicit drug users and that 20.7% of college age students fell into this group. Regarding alcohol, 51% of Americans ages 12 and over reported being current users of alcohol and that the highest prevalence of binge and heavy drinking was for young adults ages18-25. Also, 64% of all full-time college students reported regular alcohol use. At least 25 % of all college students experience problems directly related to their own abuse of alcohol or indirectly due to abuse by a family member or close friend.The National Institute on Drug Abuse has estimated that 30 percent of all college students will try cocaine before graduation, that as many as 20 million Americans use marijuana regularly, more than five million are addicted to cocaine, and a half-million abuse heroin. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the use of illegal steroids, performance enhancing drugs and tobacco products, specifically among young athletes.Because of the pressures and adulation that often accompany sports success and the discouragement associated with failure, the UAMDA recognizes that our student-athletes may be particularly vulnerable to alcohol and other substance use and abuse. As a department, we are committed to the overall development of our student-athletes, which includes a comprehensive program of education, prevention, intervention, rehabilitation and maintenance.The UAMDA has a comprehensive policy on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, education and drug testing. For several years, we have invested a great deal of time, energy, and funds into the education, testing, and counseling of our student-athletes. In 1996, we also began utilizing the APPLE program sponsored by the NCAA including a student-athlete mentoring program. The UAMDA and the NCAA also conducts educational programs throughout each school year on alcohol, tobacco, substance abuse (including anabolic steroids and recreational drugs) and gambling. In addition, both conduct announced and unannounced drug testing including NCAA testing prior to, during or after championship events and post-season bowl games and NCAA year- round testing.For further information concerning this policy or any of these programs, please call or write Dean Weber, Director of Athletic Training at (479) 575-3756.This policy is in compliance and accordance with the policies and programs of the University of Arkansas and the NCAA.

I. ALCOHOL POLICY

II. TOBACCO POLICY

III. DRUG POLICY

IV. NUTRITIONAL AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

VI. DRUG TESTING PROGRAMIF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS:PLEASE CONTACT THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC TRAINING OR YOUR STAFF ATHLETIC TRAINER!!!THIS POLICY WILL BE REVIEWED AND UPDATED PERIODCALLY AS NEEDED.