DRUGS IN SPORT

Why people take performance enhancing

drugs…To recover from

injury more quickly or to mask pain

Desire to be the best at all costs; winning brings

financial rewards

Making the most of a short sporting life

Influenced by others

The will to win overrides moral

conscience

Desire to meet expectations of

others

Willing to risk cheating for public

acclaim

Natural ability isn’t good enough

Better results lead to better sponsors and endorsement

contracts

DrugsA drug is any chemical substance you take that affects the way your body works.Most drugs are developed for medical purposes, but…doping means taking drugs to improve sporting performance.

Drugs in Sport

Anabolic SteroidsAnabolic steroids are the most commonly used drugs in sport. They mimic testosterone, a male hormone.They help to repair and build muscle faster, meaning an athlete can train harder and more often to increase results at a much faster rate.Side effects kidney problems, mood swings, anxiety, aggression, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, impotence in men and infertility, deepened voice, increased facial hair and irregular periods in women.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCSfCINnszE

PeptidesPeptide hormones and analogues are synthetic substances that copy natural hormones in the body.

Examples of these drugs include: Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and erythropoietin (EPO).

HGH acts like an anabolic steroid. It develops muscle, makes the body use fat and helps reduce tiredness.

EPO promotes the production of red blood cells and therefore increases the amount of oxygen the blood can transport at any one time. More oxygen is provided to the muscles which allows the athlete to work longer and harder.

PainkillersAnalgesics are addictive drugs and are usually injected into the blood stream.Examples of these drugs include: heroin, methadone, pethidine, morphine and codeine.

Effects can include:• Reduces the sensation of the central nervous system

(CNS) so helps pain relief.• Masks pain so athlete is back from injury sooner.Side-effects can include:• Loss of concentration.• Loss of balance.

StimulantsStimulants are used to reduces feelings of tiredness so a person can train for longer.Stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) making people more alert.

Examples of these drugs include: amphetamines, ephedrine, cocaine and caffeine.

Side-effects can include:User becomes irritable and is unable to sleep.High blood pressureIrregular and faster heartbeat.

DireticsDiuretics are drugs which increase the rate of water loss from the body.

Why people use them?Speeds up work of kidneys by producing more urine. This reduces fluid retention, which causes rapid weight loss.Diuretics are used in sports where there are weight categories. Sportspeople use diuretics to ‘make the weight’.Often used as “masking agents” to hide the effect of other performance enhancing drugs.

Side-effects can include:Dehydration and possibly dizziness.Muscle cramps.Headaches, nausea and fatigue.Kidney illness can develop.

Beta-BlockersBeta-blockers are used as a relaxant.Effects can include:

Users maintain a slow heart rate and low blood pressure which is useful in tense situations.Their calming effect also helps in high-risk sports where speed is involved.