Athletes and Performance Enhancing Drugs

Athletes who use performance enhancing drugs, also known as “doping,” are at risk for serious health problems and may be banned from competing.

Athlete steroid abuse has been around for at least a half-century, but it’s only in recent years that attention has focused on the issue. Several factors, including the BALCO investigation, tell-alls by former professional athletes, and a report on drug use in baseball, have helped to bring the problem to light.

The most commonly used types of performance enhancing drugs include anabolic steroids, stimulants and human growth hormone. These substances help to build muscle, increase stamina and improve athletic performance.

These drugs can also cause serious side effects and may not be effective for long periods of time. They may also have an adverse effect on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic chemicals that mimic the male hormone testosterone. They can be prescribed or injected to enhance muscle strength and muscle mass. They can also cause a range of other health problems, including liver failure and enlarged breasts.

Stimulants, such as amphetamines, are powerful drugs that can give an athlete a quick boost of energy and enhance cognitive function. These can be used by both amateur and professional athletes in a variety of sports.

Human growth hormone is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to promote muscle growth and strength. It also helps to keep bones strong, prevents the body from breaking down and allows athletes to recover quickly from strenuous training sessions.

This substance can be administered orally, injected into the vein or given through a nasal spray. It has many medical uses, including increasing immune system activity and promoting weight loss in obese people.

The hormone can also be injected into the arm or leg muscles to improve strength and endurance. It has also been shown to have a sedative effect and may reduce anxiety.

Diuretics are medications that change the balance of fluids and salts in an athlete’s body. They can lead to dehydration, which may affect an athlete’s performance or cause them to feel woozy and weak.

They can also cause a drop in potassium levels and blood pressure, leading to problems like feeling clumsy when moving or fainting.

Athletes who use drugs to enhance their performance often don’t tell their physicians about their use, because of legality concerns or shame. In one study, 56% of anabolic steroid users reported that they had never disclosed their use to their physician.

These substances can be highly addictive, causing a high risk of addiction and death. They can also cause other dangerous effects, such as lowered immunity and an increased risk of blood clotting or strokes.

Some athletes, such as those who are prone to obesity or those who have a family history of diabetes, are more at risk for using these substances. They might feel that they need to lose weight or gain more muscle mass, so they take a high-dose of these substances.