Dietary Supplements and Drug Testing

Hiram College is a member of the NCAC conference.  Each sport has the opportunity to reach the NCAA Championship.  Therefore, it is important to be prepared.  One important stepping-stone is drug testing.  The NCAC does not conduct drug tests, but the NCAA does have a procedure.  If a student-athlete qualifies for the NCAA Championship, they will be subjected to the NCAA’s drug testing protocol.  This protocol allows for drug testing to occur at any phase of the championship, from first rounds to finals.

Generally speaking, stimulants, anabolic agents, peptide hormones, narcotics, diuretics, urine manipulating agents, and narcotic analgesics are categories of banned drugs.  Anabolic androgenic steroids are the most talked about performance enhancing substances.  Steroids are illegal substances.  Therefore, many student-athletes take dietary supplements to improve their performance and health.  Caution must be taken.  Dietary supplements are not standardized, nor are they approved/controlled by the FDA.  Resulting in no assurance of product purity or potency.  Some common NCAA banned substances can be found in over-the-counter dietary supplements.  By taking dietary supplements student-athletes run the risk of a positive drug test.  Along with a positive drug test, student-athletes face the potential side affects associated with each drug.  Side affects can be as minute as a torn muscle, but can also lead to greater problems such as dehydration, dependency, increased heart rate and blood pressure, liver failure, cancer, stroke, heart attacks, and ultimately death.

Student-athletes who test positive are subjected to atleast a one-year suspension and loss of eligibility.  For advice or questions on a medication or supplement, student-athletes should ask their certified athletic trainer.  More information can also be found at www.drugfreesport.com