Let's be Blunt: Substance Use Among Black Male Student-Athletes

Abstract

Extensive research has been conducted on substance use within college athletics. However, a gap in the literature exists that does not specifically explore substance use among Black male student-athletes. This qualitative study seeks to answer the following research questions: (a) What do Black male student-athletes identify as reasons for engaging in substance use? (b) Do Black male student-athletes see substance use as a problem? If so, what supports would they envision needing to change their behavior? (c) Is there a perceived and/or experienced relationship between substance use and exploitation of Black male student-athletes? Ten Division I current and former Black male student-athletes were individually interviewed. Participants revealed the concept of athlete-student, marijuana use, lack of emotional and mental support, and the Black male student-athlete experience's role in substance use.