According to the autopsy, the drugs found in Box’s system were Oxymorphone, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone and Oxycodone, along with Alprazolam, his anxiety medicine. After taking all of the pills in a short amount of time, the report ruled that the cause of death was aspiration pneumonia and pulmonary edema, which in short, is depression of the central nervous system and possibly mixed drug toxicity. The report also ruled out the overdose and claimed that the prescriptions had created a toxic mix.

Box had been injured many times throughout his football career and was known to have an injured back, as well as experienced many other painful episodes. He had suffered a small fracture in his back, after lifting weights, and also a bulging disc that caused him to miss the first few games as a Sooner. In 2009, Box had surgery on his elbow and was then given a prescription for painkillers, but he did not finish them all. Although he had been hurt, Austin’s parents believed there was no record of actual painkillers prescribed by a doctor.

Gail and Craig Box, knew their son as a wonderful athlete with a very big, and generous heart. Craig’s last memory with his son was a four-day trip to see their favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals. The day after they returned was when Austin was found dead.

Although his parents believe all of the autopsy and toxicology reports, they still have a hard time believing that that is what their son died of. Gail is also the guidance counselor at Enid High School, where Box attended. She has seen and met people who have been addicted to drugs. Although she does not believe her son was a long-term addict, she does believe he was a "silent sufferer" whom she wished she could’ve helped. She knows he wouldn’t have wanted to disappoint his parents, but Gail wishes she could’ve seen the signs in her son.

If someone you know is complaining of vague symptoms to get more medication, has a lack of interest in treatment options, mood swings, on and off anxiety or is using prescription pills for other reasons, it is time to step in and help. Look for unusual signs in your friend or family member and don’t let the effects become fatal. If you think they may be a "silent sufferer", like Austin Box, don’t let it be too late before you try to help.

This finding is the result of new research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs and summarized in a Science Daily release.

This study examined 234 male athletes at one university and found that those who used performance enhancers – which ranged from steroids to stimulants to weight-loss supplements – were more likely to admit to drinking heavily and using drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. The study also found elevated rates of alcohol- and drug-related problems, including missed classes, failed tests or getting into fights.

According to study co-author Dr. Robert J. Pandina, the implication of the study findings is that many athletes are not only experimenting with recreational drugs and alcohol, but also suffering the consequences.

Dr. Jennifer F. Buckman, assistant research professor at the Center of Alcohol Studies, led the research and found that nearly one third of the athletes studied acknowledged using a performance-enhancing substance in the past year.

As a whole, athletes who used performance-enhancing substances reported higher rates of drug and alcohol use. Marijuana was used by 70 percent of students and one third admitted to using cocaine. These steroid-using students also had higher rates of smoking, binge drinking and prescription-drug misuse.

Researchers believe that athletes who use performance enhancers are more likely than nonusers to be natural sensation-seekers. In other words, these students have a desire for new and varied experiences. At the same time, they are also more like to have used drugs or alcohol to cope with stress and anxiety.