STEROID RAGE:  WHAT IS THE ANSWER?

By Dr. Jack Singer

Certified Sport Psychologist

By now, you've all heard the grizzly details of the Chris Benoit case.  Sadly, this is only the latest case of a "professional wrestler" out of control because of excessive steroid use.  Ravishing Rick Rude died at 40 from a combination of steroids and pain killers, Brian Pittman had a heart attack at 35 and Benoit's best friend in the business, Eddie Guerrero died in 2005 from heart failure due to long term steroid use.

NARCISSISM, STEORIDS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Many athletes in a variety of sports get caught up in their body image.  A chiseled image often puts an athlete psychologically ahead of his competition and enhanced performance because of muscle mass is often the frosting on the cake, as in football and baseball.

One of the issues that is never addressed is the Narcissistic Personality.  Athletes who possess these traits are at much greater risk for using steroids to enhance their image and for domestic violence at home.  Think about it.  The athlete is given unconditional adulation by teammates, the media and adoring fans.  He comes home to the mundane tasks of being a dad and husband, which may include criticism from his spouse.  The result:  explosive outbursts because his perfect image is being challenged.

The GOOD NEWS is that all of this is preventable.  With youngsters and high school athletes, the focus needs to be on athletic skill and technique...and strength coaching the old fashioned way, without the necessity of artificial muscle mass substances.

Coaches, families and  teachers can be trained in the warning signs of narcissistic disorders and body image focus.  That way, interventions can be made with young athletes and their families BEFORE steroid use and ultimately addiction takes place.

When teams "evaluate" potential draft choices, narcissistic  personality traits and the potential vulnerability to using performance and body enhancing drugs needs to be assessed.  When the propensity for such is discovered, athletes can be directed into treatment programs, rather than rewarded with contracts. 

If all professional sports use the same screening and treatment programs, and the DEA cracks down on steroid manufacturing and prescribing practices, then the problems that led to the demise of Chris Benoit and his family will surly be eradicated!

QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY CAN ENERGIZE YOUR PERFORMANCE?

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