MADD Sports
Champions for Change
teams and leagues working
to end impaired driving.
About MADD Sports
MADD Sports leverages the influence of sports figures and athletes to raise awareness, promote safe choices, and advocate for more robust measures against impaired driving. MADD Sports has a growing list of athletes signing on to elevate awareness and emphasize the importance of safe habits across the country.
The Silent Struggle: Addressing Mental Health, Substance Use, and Impaired Driving Among Student Athletes
The intersection of mental health, substance use, and impaired driving among student-athletes is a multifaceted issue requiring a comprehensive approach. It demands the collective efforts of educational institutions, athletic departments, coaches, parents, and athletes. By fostering open dialogues, providing accessible resources, and promoting a culture that prioritizes mental well-being, we can address the root causes leading to substance use and impaired driving.
In collaboration with NDUR at a Glance | Peer to Peer Support for College Athletes for Athletes, MADD Sports offers specialized programs tailored for student-athletes. These programs focus on mental health awareness, substance use prevention, and promoting a culture of responsibility. NDUR’s evidence-based approach educates athletes on the dangers of impaired driving while equipping them with the tools to make healthier choices on and off the field.
MADD is committed to supporting student-athletes through education, advocacy, and partnerships. Together, we can create an environment where our athletes thrive safely and make choices that reflect their dedication to their sport and overall well-being.
Key Statistics
- Alcohol Use: 71.7% of student-athletes reported alcohol use within the past year (NCAA, 2023).
Marijuana Use: 25.9% of student-athletes admitted to using marijuana (Patrick et al., 2023).
Binge Drinking: 55% of male student-athletes reported binge drinking (American College Health Association, 2023).
Mental Health Concerns
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44% of female student-athletes reported feeling constantly overwhelmed (NCAA, 2023).
- 17% of male student-athletes reported feeling constantly overwhelmed (NCAA, 2023).
- Impaired Driving Risks: Anxiety, sleep deprivation, and performance pressures increase the likelihood of substance use and impaired driving.
- Mental Health & Impaired Driving: Individuals with anxiety and depression are more likely to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, leading to impaired decision-making (NHTSA, 2023)
- Drunk Driving Fatalities: Increased by 33% from 2019 to 2022, reaching 13,524 deaths in 2022 (NHTSA, 2023).
Why Join
MADD Sports leverages the influence of sports figures and athletes to raise awareness, promote safe choices, and advocate for more robust measures against impaired driving. MADD Sports has a growing list of athletes signing on to elevate awareness and emphasize the importance of safe habits across the country.
When you join our movement, you gain access to training opportunities, participate in PSAs and media interviews, help promote safe transportation options among fans and join advocacy efforts.
MADD Sports messaging also puts focus on underage drinking prevention with a specific emphasis on person wellness and substance use prevention.
You have the power to enact real change in our communities to save lives.
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Our Advisory Board Members
Together with professional athletes, sports organizations, and communities, Advisory Board members will initiate conversations about responsible behaviors surrounding alcohol use, driving meaningful change, and help MADD reach diverse new audiences.
Adia Barnes Coppa
Head Coach, University of Arizona Women’s Basketball team
Tim Brown
Professional Football Hall of Fame Receiver
Lindsay Czarniak
Fox Sports Host
Harold Dennis
Survivor and Former University of Kentucky Football Wide Receiver
Jennifer Spicher
Professional Volleyball Federation
Venessa Hutchinson
Survivor and Sports Sr. Director, Football Coaches & Executives at KLUTCH Sports Group
Our Partners
National Partners
Local Partners
Student Athlete Game Changers
MADD Student Athlete Game Changers promote messages of personal wellness, safe decisions, and positive coping skills as a solution to the challenges that young people face today at the college level, like underage drinking and drug use.
- Play a cruicial role in growing awareness of MADD and diversifying our audiences, making each an integral part of our mission.
- Create unique content and amplify MADD on social media.
- Recruit other student-athletes to elevate the importance of our mission.
- Participate in and promote Immersive Learning Experience.
Get the Gear
Ready to show your suppport? Rep MADD Sports with t-shirts, hoodies, hats and more when you visit our online store.
