U. of Florida Makes Drug Class Mandatory for Athletes

A two-credit class about drug and alcohol abuse will become a mandatory subject for University of Florida athletes next year, officials said.

“We’re interested in doing everything we can to keep our athletic program drug-free,” acting athletic director Jeremy Foley said this week. “I believe we’re the first university in Florida to take this step.”

First offered in 1976 and open to all students, “Alcohol Use and Abuse” provides lectures on the physical properties of liquor and drugs and how they work. Also, students participate in group rap sessions.

Students sometimes take the class because they expect an easy grade, said Liz Broughton, director of Florida’s Campus Alcohol and Drug Resource Center.

“But once they’re into it, most said they learned far more than they ever thought they would,” said Broughton, who coached the Lady Gator tennis team from 1978 until 1981.

About 160 athletes will initially be enrolled in the course, which becomes a requirement in January, said Tom Harrison, sports psychologist for Florida’s athletic department.

“The philosophy of our whole drug program is to provide choices for people,” Harrison said. “What we want to do is give them the information so that they can understand not only from a philosophical and practical, but from a personal point of view, what drugs do, so they can make responsible drug choices.”

Random drug tests have been performed on Florida athletes for the last three years, Harrison said.