UFC Fighter Tests Positive for Cocaine, Seeks Treatment

Posted by azdrugrehabctr on January 19, 2015 under Addiction Trends | Comments are off for this article

Jon Jones is currently ranked as the #1 light heavyweight in the UFC. Recently Jones fought in a much publicized match with Daniel Cormier and won in a unanimous decision. Only a few days after the fight it was discovered that on December 4th Jones tested positive for cocaine. By the time the public was hearing about Jones’ failed drug test he had already checked himself into rehab. While this was the right thing to do, the way the incident was handled brings up questions about professional sports and their desire to handle drug problems or if they just want to brush them under the rug.

In the last several years drug use in sports has been a constant problem. Athletes are often caught using performance-enhancing drugs, and there have also been many athletes arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, the most recent being Tim Jennings of the Chicago Bears. There is also a lawsuit against the NFL for pushing and illegally prescribing narcotic painkillers. With all of the drug and alcohol problems professional sports is dealing with, it may not be a surprise that Jon Jones fell into the drug trap as well.

The lifestyle of a professional athlete can be very glamorous from the outside looking in. Adoring fans and lots of money can make for a very fast-paced life with the opportunity to do almost anything one desires. Drugs often go hand in hand in a lifestyle like the ones athletes who are at the top of their game often lead.

Checking into rehab was the most effective thing that Jon Jones could have done for himself and his loved ones. It wasn’t mandatory, as the UFC has stricter guidelines when it comes to performance-enhancing drugs like steroids, compared to other illicit drugs like cocaine, especially whether a positive test occurs during the time of being in competition. We certainly hope his rehabilitation is successful and that it serves as an example for other people, athletes and fans alike, to seek treatment for substance abuse problems.