DRUGS IN SPORT

Some of these are used on a regular basis by many of us Some of these are used on a regular basis by many of us. The obvious ones are CAFFEINE, which we use in tea and coffee, NICOTINE which people use in smoking and ETHANOL, more commonly known as alcohol

There are other drugs that we use on a less frequent basis. These are referred to as MEDICINES. These could be described as “SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE” because they are not illegal

There are also drugs that come under the term “SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE” and these are illegal. This group includes: Heroin Cocaine LSD Amphetamines Barbiturates Cannabis and ecstasy.

There is a third category- The PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS. SO WHAT IS A DRUG ? A SUBSTANCE THAT CAN BE TAKEN IN A VARIETY OF WAYS TO PRODUCE PHYSICAL AND/OR PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON THE PERSON TAKING IT. It may also cause some effects that are both unpleasant and unwanted:

They can become addictive. Smoking damages the heart and oxygen carrying capability of the blood. It is also a contributing factor to coronary heart disease.

Sportspeople decide to take drugs to enhance or improve their performance, or are encouraged to do so by their coach. The temptation is great with such high stakes. Winning a gold medal at the Olympics in some sports is worth £1,000,000 in sponsorships. Even on a day to day basis, sportspeople make a lot of money by simply competing at the highest level.

Even if they do not win, drugs may allow a lesser athlete to take part in their sport at a level they could not have otherwise reached. PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS fall into 2 categories. Prohibited classes of substances Prohibited methods.

WHAT ARE PROHIBITED CLASSES OF SUBSTANCES ? STIMULANTS- these help people to be more alert, enabling them to think more quickly. Using these drugs helps to overcome tiredness. Stimulants may produce side effects such as Insomnia, Increased heart rate.

2. NARCOTICS/ANALGESICS- This enables athletes to get back into action quickly after an injury. They act as painkillers.

3. ANABOLIC STEROIDS- They increase muscle mass and develop bone growth, therefore increase strength, while at the same time allow the athlete to train harder. It can also increase aggression. This is the most common drug used to enhance performance. The drug mimics the male hormone Testosterone. Side effects include the deepening of the voice, facial hair, mood swings and anxiety. liver disease and infertility in women are also common side effects.

4. DIURETICS- Used to increase the amount of urine produced and to increase kidney function, thereby speeding up the elimination of fluid from the body. In turn this will cause rapid weight loss in sports where performers are required to compete within strict weight boundaries.

Side effects include dehydration, which can result in dizziness, muscle cramps, headaches and nausea.