In the last few weeks, sports fans have celebrated all sorts of championships. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the men’s professional basketball championship of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Pittsburgh Penguins won the men’s professional hockey championship of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Oklahoma Sooners won the Women’s College World Series in softball. Congratulations to all of these teams and to other winning teams in other sports.
For some people, alcohol plays a major role in celebrating sports championships. Professional athletes actually drink champagne and beer from the Stanley Cup, the trophy awarded to the winner of the NHL championship. Athletes in all major sports drink and spray alcohol in their clubhouses after they win the championships of their sports, and television stations often televise these celebrations.
Alcohol seems to be an expected part of celebrating sports championships for athletes. Many of their fans in the stands and at home also incorporate alcohol as part of their celebrations.
As with many things in life, when used in moderation, alcohol usually isn’t a problem. But for people struggling with alcohol abuse, moderation is not an option.
Luckily, others are starting to realize this and to take action. When members of the Detroit Tigers baseball team won divisional championships in recent years, their celebrated their victory using nonalcoholic champagne.
The Tigers celebrated like this because there were kids in the team’s clubhouse. The Tigers also wanted to respect their superstar teammate Miguel Cabrera, whose past alcohol abuse contributed to a number of problems for him, including domestic violence incidents, problems with the police, and a DUI (a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol).
These actions acknowledge that while people celebrate with alcohol, improper use of the substance can lead to many serious problems. They also acknowledge a growing awareness of alcohol abuse in sports and in the larger world.
Perhaps most importantly, these actions illustrate how alcohol abuse doesn’t discriminate. Rich, famous athletes like Cabrera and fellow baseball star Josh Hamilton (who plays for the Texas Rangers) aren’t immune to substance use disorder. This condition affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and income levels. All sorts of people suffer from alcohol abuse, but all sorts of people can benefit from treatment.
This story has a happy ending. Miguel Cabrera appears to be sober and continues to excel on the baseball diamond. Many baseball analysts predict that Cabrera will be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum one day. As for the Detroit Tigers…. Maybe this story doesn’t have such a happy ending after all.
