Illicit drug knowledge and information-seeking behaviours among elite athletes

Objective: Many sporting organisations in Australia conduct drug information seminars for their athletes; however, it is uncertain whether these programs provide athletes with pertinent drug information in formats that are conducive to information retention. The aims of the current study were to investigate self-reported confidence in knowledge of illicit drugs and information seeking behaviours among elite athletes. Methods: Data were collected from two sources: (1) quantitative surveys with elite Australian athletes; and (2) qualitative interviews with key experts who come into contact with elite athletes. Results: Athletes were confident in their knowledge of the effects of illicit drugs such as cannabis and meth/amphetamine, but less confident in their knowledge of the effects of illicit drugs such as GHB and ketamine. A substantial proportion felt that athletes in their sport would benefit from more information concerning illicit drugs. Conclusions: Both athletes and key expert believed that information on illicit drugs should be delivered to athletes in a specific and relevant manner. There may be stigma attached to information seeking within a sports club or organisation. Accordingly, improving the accessibility to creditable information via the Internet may prove to be an effective means by which to educate athletes on the effects of illicit drugs.