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Effects of Alcohol on a Player's Performance

Alcohol tops the list of all substances athletes abuse, according to an ESPN special report on alcohol use in sports. The high prevalence of alcohol abuse ranges from junior high school-aged students to top professionals. The use of alcohol by college athletes is especially high, outranking other substances. "Alcohol is the most commonly used drug by college athletes, with about 80 percent having reported use in the past 12 months," ESPN notes.

  1. Processing Alcohol

    • Binging on alcohol can damage the liver.

      When you drink, the intestinal tract absorbs the alcohol, which then travels into the bloodstream and throughout the system. Because the liver metabolizes the alcohol, long-term abuse of alcohol can severely effect its function, sometimes causing liver failure. The liver takes approximately one hour to break down a single unit of alcohol. "This is the amount typically found in 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine or one ounce of 50 proof hard liquor," ESPN states. The more your weight, the longer alcohol takes to break down. Levels of alcohol in the blood can remain elevated for hours after drinking.

    Coordination

    • If an athlete drinks excessively prior to playing or performing, the alcohol can have several adverse effects on the performance. Because alcohol absorption is based on weight, the smaller the athlete, the less alcohol he requires to become impaired. Alcohol slows down reaction time, so the athlete's reflexes are slower when he has to catch a ball, hit a target, or block a pass. This slow-down could make the difference between a winning and losing performance. Athletes who are under the influence may look unbalanced or unsteady. Alcohol adversely affects your balance and may lead to falling and/or dangerous injuries.

    Strength

    • Alcohol leads to several short- and long-term detrimental health consequences regarding overall strength and performance levels. The University of Georgia reports a general decrease in performance, slower running and bicycling times, as well as a weakening of overall heart function. "Alcohol abuse is characterized by recurrent performance problems at school or on the job that result either from the after-effects of drinking alcohol or from actual intoxication," ESPN reports. Athletes who abuse alcohol show an impaired ability to regulate temperature during exercise. In addition alcohol effected energy levels, causing a quickening of fatigue. With long-term abuse of alcohol, muscle damage, wasting, weakness and poor absorption of nutrients are common.

    Dehyrdration

    • Drinking can lead to dehydration.

      A long night of drinking can bring on dehydration as well as a host of hangover symptoms the next day. Dehydration is of particular importance to athletes, who may also exacerbate thirst with vigorous exercise. Dehydration can lead to disorientation, low motivation and poor performance. Other signs of alcohol over-consumption includes nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, lack of appetite and lack of balance. Body aches and tiredness caused by prior ingestion of alcohol can further inhibit athletic performance.

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