When athletes use drugs In many schools athletes are required to sign a contract in order to play sports. The contracts include of many rules and regulations that prohibit activities that will jeopardize the athlete's performance. The use of drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden. Vandalism and other actions that would result in any type of illegal happenings is also banned. The main problem with the contracts is that the students don't always obey them. Many athletes will still go out and party and drink and smoke and get into other activities that will harm their minds and bodies. "Stimulants" are drugs that stimulate the central nervous system and produce an increase in alertness and activity. They include caffeine, cocaine, and the amphetamines. The amphetamines are composed of three closely related drugs that stimulate the central nervous system and promote a feeling of alertness and an increase in speech and general physical activity. Some people take these drugs under medical supervision to control their appetite, but many of these drugs are used at parties to "get high." Overuse and abuse have been associated with all of the stimulant drugs, but risks are the greatest with the amphetamines and cocaine. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep. Narcotics include opium and drugs derived from opium, such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. Narcotics also include certain synthetic chemicals that have a morphine-like action, such as methadone. Most of these drugs will leave a lasting effect for more then one day. Like a hangover from alcohol, these drugs will make you extremely tired or even sick the next day. Drugs are prohibited by athletic departments because they alter your performance. If an athlete uses one of these drugs they can have lasting effect on them sometime during a game or at practice. All drugs are illegal, and by athletes using them they set a bad example.