Drug and alcohol awareness
Drugs - including alcohol - are detrimental to sports performance, as well as almost every other aspect of life.
Alcohol is a leading cause of death amongst Australians, particularly young males.
Alcohol guidelines state those who drink two standard drinks or less on any day reduce their risk of harm from alcohol- related disease; they also recommend drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion to reduce the risk of alcohol-related injury.
As a diuretic, alcohol can lead to dehydration; athletes need to be hydrated when they exercise to maintain the flow of blood through the body, which is essential for circulating oxygen and nutrients to muscles.
Hydration also helps control body temperature, so players are more likely to overheat if alcohol has been consumed.
Read: DRINKiQ: a responsible drinking program
Most illicit drugs, or “party” drugs, such as ecstasy, cocaine, ice, and speed are stimulants so they are also seen as performance enhancing drugs when taken on match day – meaning that if you test positive to one of those drugs from a sample taken on the day of a match, you will be banned from training and playing for any period up to four years.
Any player who sells, or passes on illicit drugs - performance enhancing or otherwise - to another player, or traffics illicit drugs in the community will be dealt with by the police and could face the immediate de-registration of his playing contract.
ASADA APP links
Helpful ASADA links
2019 prohibited list fact sheet
Athlete counselling information
Drug facts
Positive change
Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
