Substance Use: Performance & Recovery

What You Should Know

No one sets out to have a problem with alcohol or drugs. But between pressure, injuries, poor sleep, and the need to unwind, habits can build fast.

Substances like alcohol, cannabis, sleeping pills, stimulants, and painkillers can all interfere with recovery, focus, sleep, and reaction time. Even casual use can affect your game without you realizing it.

The NHLPA’s mental health report found that 25% of players surveyed had concerns about their own or a teammate’s substance use.

What Helps

• Track patterns. If you’re using something to sleep, escape, or deal with pain, check in.

• Know the effects. Know what it costs. See the “substance info” tab for more

• Don’t wait for it to get bad. If you’re wondering if it’s a problem, that’s reason enough to talk.

• Alternatives help. Recovery tools, better sleep plans, and support can reduce the need to reach for a fix.

• You’re not alone. A lot of elite athletes go through it. Take their word for it.