Problematic behaviors such as alcohol abuse, illegal drugs and personal issues are prevalent among college students across the country. The rate of occurrence, particularly for alcohol consumption, is even higher among student-athletes at the Division I level compared to both non-athlete students and lower division athletes.
After surveying 118 Division I Football Bowl Subdivision athletic directors, 52 (44 percent) responses from athletic directors and other high ranking athletic department personnel showed that alcohol abuse, illegal drugs “primarily marijuana“ and personal problems (academics, time management, etc.) were thought to be the most severe issues plaguing student-athletes, far exceeding issues such as agents, gambling, hazing and performance enhancing drugs.
A number of athletic departments responded with information on the programs in place to reduce the prevalence of said problems. The NCAA's CHAMPS/Life Skills program was referred to most often, while other, original programs were submitted from a number of institutions. Although research points to the idea that Division I student-athletes are exposed to the most preventative programming they remain the biggest offenders when it comes to alcohol and drug use.
A number of programs highlighted within this study addressed personal problems, an issue that was in the same realm as alcohol abuse and drug use according to athletic department responses. Also, while programs combating agents, alcohol, gambling, hazing, illegal drugs and performance enhancing drugs may not be effective on their own, combined with others they may be found to be extremely effective.