Athletes at advanced levels of competition often face extreme pressure to perform well. In a high-pressure environment where the stakes are high, many athletes succumb to the temptation of using performance-enhancing drugs to elevate their abilities above their normal levels.
This gives them an unfair advantage over those who train hard to develop the physiological and psychological qualities necessary for competition without resorting to drugs.
Why Athletes Use Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Some sports have a culture of taking drugs and athletes are often pressured to conform to these social norms.
Athletes who get a lot of public attention are often stressed when they are physically not at their best. This could be owing to the fear of receiving negative media coverage or losing sponsorship. Some athletes thus turn to performance-enhancing drugs to help them improve their performance or keep up a winning streak.
Some athletes may take lightly the consequences of taking drugs. Others may believe that the possibility of winning with the help of drugs far outweighs that of being caught.
Some athletes may not know why taking drugs should be avoided, as they have not been educated on its harmful effects on one's health.
The World Anti-Doping Agency updates the list of prohibited drugs regularly. Athletes who do not keep up to date with the latest list may unknowingly take a banned substance.
Common Performance-Enhancing Drugs and Their Effects
Click on each drug type to learn about its effects and side effects.
Stimulants
Increase alertness and competitiveness
Anabolic Agents
Make muscles grow bigger and stronger
Diuretics
Cover up signs of drug abuse (masking agents)
Erythropoietin (EPO)
Helps with oxygen usage in the body
Growth Hormones
Help repair and strengthen muscles and bones
Beta Blockers
Reduce anxiety and relax muscles