DRUGS IN SPORT

1. DRUGS IN SPORT

2. Drugs in sport • A drug is any chemical introduced to the body which affects how the body works. • Doping is the term used in reference to improving performance by taking drugs. • Athletes take different drugs for different reasons.e.g. To improve performance To alleviate pain so that they can keep going To build muscle quicker than they would normally To calm them down before an important event

3. Drugs in Sport • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) who run the Olympic Games have strict rules on prohibited substances. They take random tests both in season and out of it. • They have a list of drugs which are identified as performance enhancing and therefore banned. These include Stimulants Narcotic-analgesics Anabolic agents Diuretics Anxiety reducing drugs Peptide hormones and analogues Alcohol, marijuana and beta blockers have certain restrictions

4. Drugs in Sport Stimulants • The second most common drug used by sportspeople and include amphetamines, ephedrine and cocaine, as well as nicotine and caffeine. • These stimulate the circulatory system and the nervous system. The raise heart rate and speed up your reaction time. • The individual will feel awake and confident. • They can work hard for longer periods of time without tiring or feeling pain.

5. Drugs in sport Narcotic Analgesics • These are painkilling drugs and include heroin, methadone, pethidine and morphine. • They act on the central nervous system and prevent the body from feeling pain. • They make the individual feel good. • Some sportspeople use them to ease the pain from injury so they can continue to compete or return to competition quicker.

6. Drugs in sport Anabolic agents • Believed to be the most common drug used to enhance sporting performance. • They mimic the male hormone testosterone. • These help build and repair muscles and bones. • Some use them to increase the strength and size of muscles or to help them recover after injury. • The best known are testosterone, stanozol and nandrolone. • Side effects can be severe including increased aggression, risk of heart attacks and strokes and liver disease

7. Drugs in sport Diuretics. • These cause more water to be excreted in urine. • Athletes who need to be a certain weight will misuse these e.g. boxer, jockey. • Some use them are used as a masking agent hide the presence of other drugs in the body e.g. Anabolic steroids

8. Drugs in sport Anxiety reducing drugs • E.g Beta-Blockers and tranqulisers. • These types of drugs help reduce anxiety and calm you down. • Beta-blockers reduce the affect of adrenaline which is produced when you’re anxious e.g. at the start of a race or before a big event.

9. Drugs in sport Peptide hormones • These types of drugs often used to produce the same effects of anabolic steroids. • The body’s natural hormones are produced synthetically and taken to increase muscle development. • Human growth hormone is used by some athletes and can only be detected by a blood test. • Erythropoietin (EPO) is used to treat anaemia as it increases the amount of haemoglobin available. Again this is only detected via a blood test.

10. Drugs in sport Alcohol • Although socially acceptable it is banned in sport as it has an unfair or detrimental effect on performance. • It can act as a sedative, slowing reactions and impairing judgement. • It is dangerous in sports where judgement at speed is needed e.g. motor racing • Excessive use of alcohol can lead to liver disease

11. Drugs in sport Smoking • Harmful chemicals are taken into the body. • Nicotine is stimulant. It raises the pulse rate . • In endurance activities where a good cardio respiratory system is required smoking can be a major hindrance. • In the long term smoking can lead to a wide range of diseases

12. Drugs in sport Blood Doping • The more red cells in the blood the more oxygen that can reach the muscles. • Blood doping means taking blood from an athlete a few weeks before competition separating the red cells and freezing them, before injecting them back into the body before competition. • This process is very hard to detect.

13. The pressure to use drugs in sport • When the rewards for winning are much higher than for coming second or third an athlete will do whatever is possible to ensure success. • The use of drugs is an effective way to beat opponents which can also be hidden and difficult to detect. • The big change between the status of an amateur and professional player is big business. • Sponsorship can be worth millions of pounds to some individuals. • This has put pressure on players to be the best that they can which has in turn contributed to the numbers that take drugs to enhance performance.

14. The pressure to use drugs in sport • The time available for a sportsperson to compete is relatively short. • During this time injury can affect performance or the ability to train. • Some are tempted to take drugs, which can help in healing the injury quicker and therefore, the ability to train more. • Coaches can also put pressure on a sportsperson. They also receive endorsements, sponsorship or payment for their player’s performance. This is their livelihood and without a sportsperson to train they are out of a job.

15. The pressure to use drugs • Some athletes turn to drugs because they believe that their opponents are using drugs and that they are under an unfair advantage when they compete. They believe that they cannot win unless they also take drugs. • Family, team mates and supporters can also put undue pressure on an athlete to be successful. • The attitude of win at all costs puts tremendous pressure on an individual especially when their performance is televised around the world.