1.2.1b Substance and the sportsperson Learning objectives To understand the effect of smoking and alcohol on the performer To understand why sportspeople take drugs. To identify the main categories of drugs, who might take them, their effects and side effects.

Smoking and Alcohol Smoking and consuming alcohol is legal but becoming less socially acceptable (smoking ban – 2007). Both have harmful side effects and can effect performance capacities. Nicotine is taken into the blood stream through smoking. It is an addictive drug, which raises the heart rate and blood pressure

There are other ways smoking can damage health: Lung cancer – tars are deposited in the lungs, making them less efficient and can lead to cancer Increased risk of heart disease Carbon monoxide reduces the effectiveness of the oxygen-carrying capacity of haemoglobin. - therefore reduced levels of fitness Throat cancer

Alcohol Small quantities of alcohol are not harmful to general health, but it does affect performance in sport. It slows reactions and affects judgement. Alcohol contains the chemical ethanol, which acts on the brain.

Further effects: Balance, co-ordination and reactions are affected Diuretic – alcohol can increase water levels in urine and cause dehydration Loss of body heat – increased blood flow to the skin causes loss of heat Reduction of glycogen levels and slower lactic acid removal Judgement affected leading to accidents Aggressive behaviour

What do all these have in common? Steroid- Stanozol THG What do all these have in common? NANDROLONE THG NANDROLONE NANDROLONE NANDROLONE

Why do sportspeople take drug? Performance enhancing drugs The rewards that come with winning are so great that athletes are increasingly temped to cheat with the use of drugs. Why do sportspeople take drug? Case study: Probably the earliest the British public were made aware of their own athletes taking drugs to enhance their performance was, in the 1960's, when the death was announced of Tommy Simpson one of Britain's greatest cyclists during the Tour de France.

Examples of drug use Six months ban for jockey over cocaine use [28/01/05] US Open winner Kuznetsova in positive drug test claim Police raid L'Equipe over Cofidis doping scandal [14/01/05] Juventus players caught for taking nandrolone Dwain Chambers tests positive for THG 1998 tour de France scandal

The I. O. C. attempt to keep sport clean The I.O.C. attempt to keep sport clean. They produce a list of banned substances. Prohibited drugs are classified in 6 categories. Remember B.A.N.D.S.P.

Beta blockers: e.g. Atenolol (Alcohol has a similar effect) The beta-blocker drugs 'sit' on receptors and stop ('block') the receptor from being stimulated. Effect: slows heart rate, calms and steadies hands Athletes: Shooting (target sports), Snooker Side effects: Reduces heart rate so low that heart may stop, low blood pressure and causes tiredness

Anabolic steroids: Artificially produced testosterone (MALE HORMONE). Effect: Repair body tissues after stress, promote muscle growth, ability to train harder with less fatigue Athletes: Athletics (power events) e.g. .... 100m, Shot Putt Side effects: Females develop male features. Liver & heart damage.

Narcotic Analgesics: ‘PAIN KILLERS’ - (paracetamol, morphine, methadone, heroin) Effect: Reduces pain or an injury Athletes: All events Side effects: Nausea, highly addictive, serious injury

Diuretics: Remove fluid from the body. Effect: Rapid weight loss Athletes: Boxers, Jockeys Side effects: Dehydration, Dizziness or light headed

Stimulants: Stimulate the body physically and mentally. (Tea, Coffee, Cocaine) Effect: Reduces tiredness, increased alertness & endurance Athletes: Any event with a sprint start, Boxing, Side effects: Raise blood pressure, hide symptoms of fatigue & addictive

Peptide Hormones: Naturally occurring hormones can be synthesised in a laboratory (EPO) - EPO is a hormone which controls red blood cell production. Effect: Increase oxygen transport ( endurance) Athletes: Cycling, marathon runners (endurance athletes) Side effects: blood clots + cardiovascular problems

Are these elite athletes or undetected drug cheats?