Alcohol and Athletic Performance

More information from the "Simple Guide to Coaching Girls Basketball"

Alcohol.  Aside from being illegal for persons under twenty-one, alcohol has a panoply of deleterious effects for athletes, and yet some student-athletes risk their health, athletic suspension, and sometimes more (impaired driving as driver or passenger).  It is the most commonly abused drug in the United States.

Alcohol acts as a diuretic (increases urination) contributing to dehydration.  It worsens ‘reaction time’ and can impair athletes’ memory for days after ingestion. Alcohol has direct toxic effects on the gastrointestinal system and liver, heart, and nerves.  As a result it can cause nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and poor cardiac performance.  It can reduce testosterone levels and delay muscle repair after exercise.

Alcohol also impairs judgement and can result in fragmented sleep. It is calorie dense and can cause weight gain.  I remember asking my daughters what happened to a basketball competitor, and they had a two-word answer, “beer gut.”  

Coaches have a profound responsibility to educate players as to the negative impact of alcohol on their health and their ‘athletic standing.’