Treatment for Performance-Enhancing Drug Abuse

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Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are substances that are taken to help someone perform better athletically. These drugs such as anabolic steroids, human growth hormones (HGH), stimulants, and even diuretics have become increasingly common; used by both professional and collegiate athletes in a variety of different sports. For many athletes the pressure to win is so intense that they will do anything it takes, even if it includes injecting themselves with harmful substances. While these drugs may help athletes reach short-term physical goals by building muscle, increasing speed, or aiding with weight management, the consequences are not worth the risk. As they become more dependent upon these drugs to boost their performance, current athletes may begin to experience emotional instability, often displaying angry outbursts, and they run the risk of ruining their careers by being suspended or kicked off the team. After years of abuse retired athletes may be left dealing with long-term consequences such as stunted development, infertility, liver problems, and cardiovascular issues.

Athletes Recovery is a program that has been specifically designed to treat the mental health and substance abuse needs of both current and retired athletes. We are dedicated to providing private, confidential treatment for performance enhancing drug abuse that can meet the unique needs of professional and collegiate athletes. The treatment we provide for our patients is rooted in the principles of recovery placing extra emphasis upon spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. We are determined to doing all we can to transform the lives of those we treat as they begin their journey toward recovery. Together we can work to provide you with a brighter future.

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Why Seek Treatment at Athletes Recovery?

If you are currently using PEDs or have used them prior to your retirement from the athletic profession you have most likely noticed a number of negative affects they have caused in your life. Athletes who are currently doping are more likely to engage in risky behavior that can result in a dangerous consequences. Additionally, they are more likely to experience rage, antisocial behaviors, and have violent tendencies. This emotional instability may have led to the loss of important relationships and even caused legal problems.

As a retired athlete, even if you have stopped using steroids and PEDs, you are most likely still facing some of the effects from long-term abuse. In addition to numerous physical health problems, years of emotional instability and the resulting consequences, such as broken marriages or isolation from loved ones, many retired athletes may have developed depression or other mental health disorders. If you are abusing performance enhancing drugs the sooner you get treatment the better your outcome will be, it may help to prevent the development of some serious long-term consequences if treated early enough.

Due to the extreme desire to outperform their competition many athletes will continue to use performance enhancers despite being fully aware of the side effects. An inpatient treatment program that specializes in working with athletes can be an effective option for helping those to stop abusing these dangerous substances. In addition to a number of different therapeutic approaches an inpatient program provides athletes with the ability to step back from their hectic life and take the time to focus on themselves.

Program Philosophy and Benefits

Athletes Recovery is a private, confidential program that is specifically tailored to current and retired athletes who are struggling with challenges that may be unique to their particular career. Our culturally-competent, compassionate, and experienced treatment staff works hard to provide each client with an individualized client-centered plan of care that meets the personal needs of each athlete we treat. The treatment methods we use at Athletes Recovery places an emphasis on strength and accountability of team. Additionally, our services are based upon the mental and physical regimes our athletes are inherently familiar with. We want each patient to leave our program knowing that they have had the best experience imaginable.

If you feel that you are in crisis, or are having thoughts about hurting yourself or others, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Treatment Options at Athletes Recovery

Before starting the treatment process, each athlete will complete an individual assessment that will allow our treatment staff to identify a client’s exact needs. A treatment plan will then be developed based upon the results of your assessment. We will make sure to include you in this process, taking into account any concerns you may have and answering all of your questions. Your personalized treatment plan may include some of the following therapeutic approaches:

Individual therapy will provide you one-on-one time with a licensed therapist who will be able to help you work through the emotions surrounding your decision to begin using performance enhancing drugs as well as addressing the problems that were caused by the substance abuse. Additionally, you will be able to explore the unique difficulties faced by athletes and work on ways to cope without these drugs.

Group therapy can be extremely beneficial because it will provide you with the opportunity to work with other athletes who understand the challenges you may be facing. As a team you will build off of one another to develop better coping skills, emotion regulation, and anger management.

Family therapy is a very important part of the treatment process as athletes who have been using performance enhancers have most likely been experiencing mood swings and episodes of rage which can put a strain on the whole family. Family therapy can help open lines of communication and allow everyone to freely express their emotions.

In addition to traditional therapy, Athletes Recovery is proud to offer a number of additional treatment approaches designed for our athletes. These may include:

  • Exercise and weights
  • Nutrition
  • Prayer and meditation
  • Physical therapy
  • A.A. and N.A.
  • Massage therapy
  • Yoga

Continuing Care

When you have come to the end of your treatment program, you will work closely with your treatment team to develop a plan for continued care. Some of our athletes find that they would do best in a sober living facility. Others may feel that they have made enough progress to continue their recovery on an outpatient basis in either a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both PHP and IOP programs allow our athletes the opportunity to work on their therapy during the day while slowly reintegrating back into their community in the evenings. Finally, others may discharge home with a sober coach, referrals to traditional outpatient therapy, and references for community resources. Whatever you determine is the next best step for you Athletes Recovery will be there to support you.

GET CONFIDENTIAL HELP NOW:
844.776.7326