“From Peak to Plunge”: Vape Addiction and Substance Use in Teen Athletes

With the start of a new school year upon us, it is important to be reminded of the devastating impact substance use can have on the different segments of our student population. This article focuses on the student athlete.

The Game-Changer No One Trains For

He was the fastest sprinter on the team — until he wasn’t. Coaches noticed his stamina slipping, his focus fading, and his recovery dragging. What they didn’t see was the vape tucked inside his sock, or the nicotine cravings that woke him up at 3 a.m. By the time he was caught, he’d lost his starting spot, his scholarship prospects, and the sport he loved.

This isn’t just a cautionary tale. It’s a growing reality.

Why Teen Athletes Are Uniquely Vulnerable

Athletes are often seen as the healthiest kids in school — disciplined, driven, and physically fit. But that very identity can make them more susceptible to substance use:

• Performance Pressure: The need to excel can push teens toward stimulants like Adderall or nicotine to stay sharp and focused.

• Injury Recovery: Painkillers and muscle relaxants may be introduced after injury, then misused to stay in the game.

• Culture of Control: Athletes are trained to push through discomfort — which can lead to emotional suppression and self-medication.

• Peer Influence & Locker Room Access: Vapes, pills, and pouches are often shared casually among teammates, normalizing use.

Vaping: The Silent Saboteur

Vaping is often seen as “less harmful” — especially among athletes who avoid cigarettes. But the truth?

• Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow to muscles and lungs.

• Vape chemicals damage lung tissue, impairing endurance and recovery.

• Addiction disrupts sleep and focus, key pillars of athletic performance.

• Withdrawal symptoms mimic anxiety, making it harder to perform under pressure.

Athletes who vape often report feeling “gassed” early in games, struggling to breathe, and losing motivation to train2.

Other Substances, Same Spiral

Beyond vaping, teen athletes may misuse:

• Stimulants (Adderall, cocaine): Used to boost energy or focus, but lead to heart strain, anxiety, and burnout.

• Opioids (Oxycodone, Vicodin): Prescribed for injury, but highly addictive and impair coordination.

• Alcohol & Marijuana: Used to relax or bond socially, but dull reaction time and increase injury risk.

Each substance chips away at performance, mental clarity, and emotional resilience — often without immediate detection.

The Downward Spiral: When Use Meets Consequence

Getting caught with a vape or drug on school grounds can trigger:

• Suspension from games or entire seasons

• Loss of team captain roles or leadership positions

• Disqualification from college recruitment

• Legal consequences or mandatory court diversion programs

For athletes whose identity is tied to their sport, this can feel like a personal collapse. Depression, isolation, and further substance use often follow4.

Prevention That Protects Passion

To truly protect teen athletes, prevention must go beyond scare tactics. It must speak to their identity, their goals, and their emotional reality.

What works:

• Emotional Literacy Training — Teach athletes how to name and manage stress, pressure, and fear.

• Peer-Led Workshops — Let older athletes share real stories of recovery and resilience.

• Faith & Purpose Anchoring — Reinforce that their worth isn’t tied to wins, but to who they are beyond the scoreboard.

• Coach & Parent Scripts — Equip adults with language that supports without shaming. (Examples below)

  Kids need encouragement and empathy more than ever in these moments. Here’s a list of examples of thoughtful, affirming phrases adults (like parents, coaches, and counselors) can use to build trust and offer guidance rather than guilt:

  Supportive Statements for Prevention

  These work well in everyday conversation or early intervention talks:

  • “I care way more about why you’re feeling this way than about what you’re doing.”

  • “If something’s tempting you, we can talk through it — no judgment.”

  • “You don’t have to figure this out alone. I’ve got your back.”

  • “Just because something’s common doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Let’s unpack the truth together.”

  • “Your future matters. I’m here to help you protect it.”

  Compassionate Statements for Those Already Using

  Use these to meet kids where they are — with grace and clarity:

  • “I’m not mad. I’m just really glad you trusted me enough to share this.”

  • “What you’re going through makes sense. Let’s figure out a healthier way to cope.”

  • “You’re not broken. You’re not a failure. You’re someone I believe in — completely.”

  • “It’s okay to start over, even if you’ve tried before. Starting over shows strength.”

  • “Nothing you say will make me walk away.”

  Empowering Them to Open Up

  These phrases create space for honesty and self-reflection:

  • “What does support look like for you right now?”

  • “What’s the hardest part of saying no?”

  • “What do you wish adults understood better about your world?”

  • “If you could give advice to younger kids about this, what would you say?”

Final Whistle: What’s at Stake

Athletes don’t just lose games when addiction enters the picture — they lose identity, opportunity, and often, hope. But with the right tools, they can reclaim all of it.

Let’s make sure the sport they love doesn’t become the thing they lose, but the reason they rise.

For more information, help, and resources, please visit www.steeredstraight.org or call (856) 691-6676

Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices.