Strategies to Curb Risk Behaviors in Adolescent Athletes

This paper looks at two programs, atlas and athena, which have been successful in reducing risk behaviors such as the use of steroids, alcohol, and other illicit drugs in adolescent athletes. The programs utilize social psychological dynamic approaches that involve mentors who surround the athlete. The athlete learns facts about performance enhancement substances, proper resistance training techniques, and cognitive restructuring concerning body weight and image. as mentors, strength and conditioning practitioners may spend considerable time with athletes and are in a position to encourage appropriate decisions relating to ethical sports performance in adolescent athletes.