Newsletter MADD Teen Influencer February 2024
Rescue from the Depths
Influencer of the Month
Drug Testing
Ben gives an insight into drug testing in sports, from high school athletes to the professional level.
Read about Larissa, who has been involved with MADD for almost two years.
Enjoy the creative writing of our newest contributor, MADD Teen Influencer Makalya.
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by Ben Haworth, MADD Teen Influencer Drug Testing in High School: A Controversy
In 2014, the Sochi Olympics were embroiled in controversy amid an onslaught of criticism of alleged doping sanctioned by the Russian Secret Service. This ties into the comparatively mundane issues of drug abuse in high school sporting events. From football to soccer (and even choir), substance
abuse has become a major source of concern for school sporting programs across the nation. Schools work diligently to keep their students safe and drug- free, the main goal being to educate student-athletes about the health effects of using performance enhancing drugs. While police are legally prohibited from conducting random drug tests on citizens, high schools are subject to no such restrictions because they act in loco parentis (in place of parents). It is legal to drug test student-athletes in high school as well as college. Drug testing policies vary based on school districts and university regulations and most often, the tests are focused solely on teenagers involved in sports. Recently, the world record holder for the fastest U20 100-meter dash was suspended for using the highly-illegal GW1516 substance to gain an advantage.
MADD Teen Influencer
February 2024
This particular drug was developed to build physical endurance in the muscles, but was banned after medical tests on rodents revealed cancer-causing properties within it. Without the assistance of the drug, the Florida boy wouldn’t have achieved his world record. But the drug testing prevented the athlete from using the substance again, saving him from deadly health problems in the future. To stop any more scandals like this, it is necessary to implement stricter regulations across the country for student-athletes (perhaps even a federal mandate may be needed). The increased prevalence of fentanyl in the drug market has made it even more dangerous to purchase illegal substances, which include those of the performance-enhancing variety. While schools are nearly uniform in their drug testing procedures, whether a club sport tests for drugs or not differs from program to program, since most participants are over 21 years of age and managers don’t want to exclude any players if possible.
Because many Americans value their privacy, there have been multiple legal cases surrounding random drug testing of students. In 1995, the Supreme Court ruled that drug testing of student- athletes is not a privacy violation through the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. However, things
get more complicated within the club sports world and in private schools. For example, my rowing team is not affiliated with any part of the government and, as such, cannot conduct random drug tests without fear of a lawsuit. The same goes for private schools, though they generally are given more authority through en loco parentis than other organizations. Random drug-testing is also widely implemented in professional sports organizations like the NFL, which receives substantial funding from the US government. Given the NFL’s immense influence and wealth, players are unlikely to sue their overseers for privacy violations (without arousing suspicions of cheating, that is). With recent accusations of cheating leveled towards certain players in this year’s Super Bowl, this discussion surrounding the ethics of random drug tests has grown ever more relevant.
MADD Teen Influencer
February 2024
Rescue from the Depths 2
by Makayla Tracy, MADD Teen Influencer
In the shadows deep, where demons hide, The poison creeps, consuming pride. In veins it weaves its deadly thread, Leaving souls ensnared, heart heavy as lead. Eyes once bright now dim with despair, Lost in the haze, a vacant stare. Dreams shattered, hopes decay, As drugs steal the light of day. Families torn, bonds shattered, By the grip of addiction, lives tattered. Aching hearts, silent cries, Echo through the night, beneath darkened skies. Oh, the folly of the drug's embrace, Leaving trails of sorrow in its trace. For in its wake, it leaves naught but pain, A haunting reminder of what we stand to gain. So heed the warning, shun the vice, Embrace the light, break free from the ice. For in the end, it's love that saves, From the depths of despair, to brighter days.
Ask A Teen Influencer Looking for some advice? Submit questions anonymously with the link below or by clicking on the icon to the left. MADD Teen Influencers may respond to your question on the next episode of Healthy Teen Talks! TINYURL.COM/MADDTEENADVICE
MADD Teen Influencer
February 2024
MADD Teen Influencer 3
Influencer of the Month Larissa Hernandez Mendez,
Congratulations to our Influencer of the Month - Larissa! She has been a member of the group for almost two years and has lead multiple educational workshops and activities for her peers. “Larissa has shown tremendous growth in her public speaking skills and portrays a great example of what leadership can be as a Teen Influencer.” - Amsale Darden, MADD Staff “Larissa is always doing her best to spread awareness even if it’s something she’s not comfortable with such as public speaking.” - Kimberly Montes, MADD Teen Influencer Nominate an Influencer of the Month! Do you know an influential teen who is a great role model? We would love to spotlight them! Click on the icon to the left or use the link below to share why they should be MADD's Influencer of the Month!
TINYURL.COM/MADDIOTM
MADD's mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. The purpose of the Teen Influencer Group is to provide leadership development for teens by training them to be peer-to-peer educators. These teens provide MADD with the youth perspective and use their voice to educate the public. By reducing and then eliminating underage drinking, these teens will help MADD end drunk driving.
@MADDCalifornia
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