Opioid Abuse in America

The opioid epidemic in the United States impacts people from every walk of life and members of every community, including the sport community. While pain medications are something that many athletes may need to use at some point, prescription pain medications for injuries or chronic pain can quickly lead to addiction and other opioid abuse.

At USADA, we believe that medical advice should come from physicians,  but it is within our purview to draw attention to health and safety issues that impact athletes. USADA has therefore provided  number of resources on opioids, including content specific to athletes, while also pushing for more opioids and other substances to be added to the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List because of associated health risks and performance-enhancing capabilities.