Doping, or using banned drugs to win, is a big worry in sports. It’s not just about illegal drugs or medicines; it includes dietary supplements too. These substances are easy to find in stores and online. Many top athletes in different sports test positive for banned substances every year.
History of Doping in Sports
Doping isn’t just a new thing. It has a long history that goes back centuries. In the third century BC, ancient Greek athletes used things like brandy and mushrooms to help them perform better.
In the early 1900s, doping started with racehorses. Soon, it moved to sports like the Olympics. By the 1930s, doping in the Tour de France was common.
The 1950s brought a big change. The Soviet Olympic team started using testosterone to boost strength. When the Berlin Wall fell, we learned about the East German doping program. It was shocking.
Throughout history, people have tried to make athletes perform better with drugs. The first official doping rule came in 1963. It said doping was using drugs or methods to help athletes.
Substances Used for Doping
In competitive sports, some athletes use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to get ahead. These include anabolic steroids, androstenedione, human growth hormone (HGH), diuretics, and erythropoietin (EPO). These drugs are banned by most sports bodies because they can harm health.
Anabolic steroids act like the male hormone testosterone. They’re used to treat some health issues. But, using them can cause liver damage, stunted growth, and other problems. HGH and EPO can lead to high blood pressure, blood cancers, and heart issues.
Some athletes also use painkillers and stimulants. Opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin, and stimulants like amphetamines and Adderall are common. These drugs can harm the lungs, brain, and heart, and are addictive.
Substances:
- Anabolic Steroids
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- Erythropoietin (EPO)
- Prescription Painkillers (Opioids)
- Stimulants (Amphetamines, Methamphetamine)
Potential Side Effects
- Liver damage, stunted growth, abnormal behaviour, depression, breast tissue growth in men, impotence, disruption of puberty
- Hypertension, blood cancers, anemia, strokes, heart attacks, feminization
- Hypertension, blood cancers, anemia, strokes, heart attacks, feminization
- Respiratory depression, neurological effects, addiction
- Anxiety, weight loss, increased heart rate
Related: 5 African Stars Who Will Impress At The Paris Olympics
Drug Abuse in Sports
Drug abuse poses a major challenge in sports. Athletes can develop addictions just like anyone else. They might use drugs to gain an edge or simply for enjoyment without considering the consequences.
Athletes across all age groups and skill levels grapple with substance use disorders. Addiction has a significant presence in sports. It manifests in various forms such as the use of prohibited substances or the misuse of legal ones.
- 44% of male student-athletes and 33% of female student-athletes said they binge drink.
- 22% of student-athletes said they used marijuana in the past year.
- 23% of student-athletes said they used pain medication in the past year.
- People who misuse anabolic steroids are more likely to use other drugs.
- About 10% of people in inpatient treatment for opioid addictions said they misused anabolic steroids earlier in life.
Drug abuse in sports is a big worry. It goes against the fair play and teamwork values of sports. Illicit drugs can cause health problems like panic attacks and heart issues. Even legal drugs can be banned if they give athletes an unfair edge.
According to Balance Luxury Rehab, drug abuse in sports undermines the values of fair play and teamwork. It poses serious health risks, including panic attacks and heart issues. Even legal drugs can be banned if they provide an unfair advantage.
Reasons for Drug Abuse in Sports
Athletes may use substances for many reasons. These include boosting performance, looking better, or coping with stress and mental health issues. They might also use drugs to manage pain from injuries or deal with retirement.
Young athletes or those in college might start using drugs or alcohol because of their friends. This is often due to peer pressure.
Performance Enhancement and Body Image
Some athletes use drugs to get ahead in their sport. Others might use alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine for other reasons. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) bans these drugs for athletes.
Using steroids can lead to withdrawal symptoms like mood changes and tiredness. Athletes who use drugs can face bans from competitions. Famous athletes like Michael Phelps and Muhammad Ali have been banned for drug use.
Reasons for Drug Abuse in Sports:
- Performance Enhancement
- Body Image
- Coping with Stress, Mental Illness, and Injuries
- Peer Pressure
Examples:
- Anabolic steroids, peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances
- Anabolic agents, diuretics, and masking agents
- Stimulants, narcotics, cannabinoids, and glucocorticosteroids
- Recreational drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana
Conclusion
Drug abuse in sports is a big worry for athletes at all levels. It can be used to get ahead or to deal with a sport’s tough parts. This issue badly affects athletes and the sports world. The history of doping shows us the need for a strong plan to stop and treat drug use in sports. This plan should include better education, motivational talks, and help for athletes with addiction
