This is a clear risk for the athlete who uses chemicals in a problematic way yet is able to perform at an acceptable level due to superior ability. Some athletes have developed serious chemical use problems over a long period of time, but have not diminished athletic performance noticeably. This results in a serious problem for some people who might have been helped earlier but physical ability hid negative symptoms. Likewise, athletes can develop serious stress-related problems such as anxiety or troubled relationships without showing evidence of those problems during competition. It is important for athletes to be aware of this issue and be willing to recognize and accept symptoms of developing health behavior problems.
Athletes often experience separation from families and friends.
Practice schedules, travel to contests in other communities, and fatigue resulting from the exertion of training and competition require time spent away from family and friends. Recreation time is often reduced for an athlete and social support is sometimes available primarily from teammates and coaches. None of us are single dimension or single interest people and the demands of athletics can reduce an athlete's contact with others. This can create stress for the person who values family, friends, and activities outside of sports. Practice and game schedules often remove college and high school athletes from regular family and other friend activities.