High on sports

By Anna Gagné

I can't deny it. I take drugs. I have for several years now. But my drug can't be smoked; I don't sniff it or swallow, I play it. My drug makes me sweat. It makes me surpass all my limits. My drug is basketball. It's more addictive than any other drug. It's not only a game, it's a lifestyle. I left my friends and my family to go to a basketball school.

When we start a new game, it's like a new life. Everything goes so fast that time really flies. Each goal gives me new hope for success. When I play, I don't need anything else. I'm in the zone. I could get hit and I wouldn't feel a thing—I'm too focused on that orange ball. The only downer is when I leave school at night. I have to ride the bus for an hour and I know I won't be able to play again until 6 o'clock. I'm addicted to the energy of basketball!