WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE DRUGS IN SPORT?

Performers take drugs to….
…enhance performance
…have a better chance of winning
…improve status
…relieve pain
…improve ability to train

WHAT IS CLASSED AS A BANNED SUBSTANCE?

STIMULANTS
Heart raiser which stimulates the nervous system & improves reaction time
Also makes the individual feel more confident

EXAMPLES
Caffeine (not a specific banned drug)
Amphetamines such as Benzedrine and ‘speed’

Negative aspects relating to Stimulants
Increase in hostility
High blood pressure
Irregular heart beats
Addiction

PAINKILLERS (NARCOTIC ANALGESICS)
Hide pain and may be given in the event of an injury
They can give the athlete the ability to carry on even though there is an injury especially in endurance events

EXAMPLES
Paracetomol, Heroin, Morphine

Negative aspects relating to Narcotics
Has a high addiction rate
Can produce mood swings
Can damage the injury so as it is inrepairable
Can hinder performance once it wears off

DIURECTICS
Used to lose weight quickly
The weight is lost in fluids (urine)

EXAMPLES
Acetazolamide, bendoflumethiazide, benzhiazide, bumetanide

Negative aspects relating to Diuretics
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Abnormal liver function
Headache, fatigue, fever

ANABOLIC STEROIDS
These allow athletes to train for longer and therefore improve and build muscle bulk
Ultimately will have a specific upperhand with regard to power they can use against an opponent

EXAMPLES
Testosterone

Negative aspects relating to Anabolic Steroids
Increase in facial hair
Can become infertile
Can become addictive
Can have a negative effect on mood
Produces unnatural looking muscle tone

PEPTIDE HORMONES
Stimulates production of naturally occurring hormones in the body

EXAMPLES
Insulin
Growth Hormone