Smelling salts and other ammonia inhalants have been prohibited by the National Football League (NFL). This decision is a positive step after extensive criticism of their impact on player health and safety. A recent 2023 study by orthopaedic sports medicine experts brought to light the potential dangers associated with these substances, particularly after experiencing a head injury. It was this new intelligence that informed the decision to act. The ban includes all activities occurring before the game, during the game, and during half time, including both sideline and locker room environments.
It’s been no secret in recent conversations, players such as George Kittle have gone on the record regarding the ban. Kittle took to social media to voice his displeasure with the move. He admitted that he was “miserable” and almost retired after taking smelling salts on game days. He jokingly remembered the first time he tried them, saying it was like getting “pepper-sprayed.” Kittle’s sentiments are a microcosm of the larger athlete worry about where the line is drawn between performance enhancement and protecting athletes.
Understanding the Use of Smelling Salts
For decades, smelling salts have been the go-to stimulant for athletes looking to turn on the juice and steal a little bit of energy and alertness. Ryan Papenhuyzen—a professional football player who was one of the first to benefit from the use of these inhalants—said he would use smelling salts on “every drive.” He compared the effect of using them to the experience of having them shot at you, the result being something as physically painful as being pepper sprayed. At first, Papenhuyzen was energized by their deployment. Despite initially dismissing their risk, he eventually understood their potential severity and confessed that he even considered early retirement after becoming reliant on them.
The attraction of smelling salts would be the swift effect found on heart rate and endurance. A recent study titled “Ammonia Inhalants: Use, Misuses, and Role in Sports Performance,” conducted by Dr. Joshua Bender and Dr. Charles Popkin from the University of Washington and Columbia University, found that smelling salts could indeed boost an athlete’s heart rate and enhance stamina during repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise. The researchers warned that they should not be used for much longer.
“In contrast, there is no performance benefit to ammonia inhalants in a short burst of maximal effort despite elevated arousal and an associated perception of performance enhancement.” – Dr. Joshua Bender and Dr. Charles Popkin
Risks Associated with Smelling Salts
It’s not uncommon for athletes to award smelling salts a place on their pregame checklist. New research calls attention to their remarkable risks, both intentional and unintentional. As such, Dr. Bender and Dr. Popkin together strongly stated that ammonia inhalants have no legitimate role in the treatment of head injuries. They mentioned that ammonia inhalation has the potential to induce an involuntary withdrawal reflex. Surprisingly, this reflex has the power to compound pre-existing brain injuries.
In their study, the researchers warned against the use of smelling salts. They reasoned that these substances might mask the indicators and symptoms of a concussion or greater brain injury. This can tempt athletes to keep competing when they need to be sitting out, leaving them at a greater risk of further damage.
“Furthermore, the signs and symptoms of a concussion or more threatening head injury may be masked by ammonia inhalation and lead to continued participation in competition, causing additional harm.” – Dr. Joshua Bender and Dr. Charles Popkin
This research marks a historic change in professional sports. The NFL’s decision to ban smelling salts is a positive step in demonstrating that player safety is prioritized above the marginal performance enhancement tactics. Credit the National Rugby League (NRL) for taking swift action. In fact, for a number of years now, the NFL has banned the administration of these substances following head trauma.
Player Reactions to the Ban
When word of the NFL’s ban began to move through the league, players felt a variety of ways about the outright prohibition. Melbourne halfback Jahrome Hughes recently described an exhilaration from the use of smelling salts. He questioned whether he could continue the practice before games. His remarks are indicative of a broader desire emanating from athletes. They love all the upside with short-term wins but not much else, but they know all the downside risk.
Kittle’s emotional response highlights the struggle so many players undergo between their performance preparation and health decisions. He urged for a balance that could achieve performance improvements without putting safety at risk.
“We’ve got to figure out a middle ground here, somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea.” – George Kittle
