Mandatory Drug Testing for Student Athletes

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In many high schools around the country, student athletes are using drugs. “The percent of students that have drunk alcohol is 72.5% while the number of students who have used marijuana is 36.8%” (Report: Nearly Half of High School Students Using Drugs, Alcohol). The students believe that since they are athletes that they do not need to abide by the rules because they feel more superior and that the narcotic will not hurt or affect them. Implementing random drug tests for athletes will create a positive image and not hurt others or themselves. Schools need to have drug tests for student athletes because drugs effect relationships, using drugs have consequences, and lastly they have a major effect on the body. Not drug testing student athletes will affect the relationships that the student athlete has with others. The team that the athlete is on will be one of the largest groups of relationships that will be affected. Being on a team is like a family and a family requires teamwork. Family and teamwork requires every member to work together and get along. Younger athletes on the team look up to the older members of the team or the captains. “Many of these younger students revere the senior football player or want to be like that star sophomore on the soccer field,” (More Schools Should Drug-test Athletes). If these athletes are setting the example by doing drugs and playing sports, then the younger players will most likely pursue in their role models footsteps. Likewise, taking drugs during the season is prohibited, so if someone on the team is using drugs they will probably not advise the coach or other team members. This will lead to lying to others. and then later hurting the team. Fights and distrust among team member... ... middle of paper ... ...ng drugs will have a huge impact on them and the people that they are around. When a person does drugs once, they will keep using them and eventually become addicted. Drug testing student athletes is a necessity because taking drugs affects relationships that the athlete has, drugs cause consequence that can be detrimental, and lastly taking drugs hurt the body causing the athlete to have health issues. Hence, drug testing should be done in all high schools around the country. Works Cited "Drugs and Sport." - Drug and Alcohol Information and Support in Ireland. Drugs and Alcohol Information and Support, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013. "Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Testing in Schools." National Institute on Drug Abuse. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. "More Schools Should Drug-test Athletes." Zanesville Times Recorder. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2013.

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