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Effects of alcohol throw off your game

WATERLOO (CUP) – Every athlete knows in order to excel in any sport, a high level of commitment, responsibility and sacrifice is required. The body must be in peak condition both physically and mentally in order to perform at a high level of competition.

The effect of alcohol on athletic performance is often underestimated. Examine how much it actually alters the body, and the results are staggering.

The University of Notre Dame has reported if a person consumes five drinks in a given night, it can take three days for one’s body to fully recover. The 100-150 calories per drink is converted directly into fatty acid, comparable to three hamburgers from McDonald’s.

“I’ve talked to all of my players and they understand the negative effects (of alcohol) and how long it takes to leave your system,” said Lynn Orth, head coach of the Wilfrid Laurier University women’s lacrosse team, which implements a 48 hour no-drinking policy before game days.

The policy has worked for Orth, who has coached her team to seven straight Ontario University Athletics championship games.

Most athletes recognize that quick recovery time, whether post-injury or post-workout, is essential.

However, the consumption of alcohol completely erases the benefit of training. The muscles’ source of energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is reduced, lowering endurance and making one weak and tired.

Protein synthesis also diminishes, resulting in impeded muscle growth. Testosterone and the human growth hormone (HGH), essential hormones in muscle growth and tissue repair, are decreased by as much as 70 per cent, not to mention the body becomes dehydrated.

“Our practices are so physically demanding that you don’t need the effects of alcohol compounded on top of that,” said Gary Jeffries, head football coach and manager of football operations at Laurier.

Not only physical performance is affected – a player’s mental game is thrown off after alcohol consumption. The ability to learn, store and retain information – such as plays,–is altered. Sleep patterns can be disrupted as well, which can affect memory formation.

“You can probably only hit a 60 per cent performance level,” said Erik Kroman, captain of the Laurier men’s volleyball team. “It’s obviously detrimental to your performance when you’re hung over and tired from drinking.”

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