Drugs, Athletes, and Sports – Anabolic Steroid Use Essay Example

administered through injection, orally, skin creams or patches. Athletes often take them for six to twelve weeks in cycles with varying dosages depending on their sport and perceived needs. It's common for athletes to consume much higher doses than what is used therapeutically or clinically; some even take 10 to 100 times the amount naturally produced by their bodies.

Kochakian expressed concern about potential misuse of anabolic steroids as modified steroids still exhibit noticeable masculinizing activity. The use of anabolic steroids in sports only became prominent during the 1940s and 1950s when it was partially attributed to the success of Russian weightlifting team at the 1952 Olympics through their utilization of synthetic testosterone.An American physician advocated for US competitors to have the same advantage after becoming aware of widespread steroid use in the sports world. Harvard University researchers suggest that there may be more cases of anabolic steroid-induced psychiatric illness than previously assumed, posing a danger to users and the public. Initially, early users were mainly bodybuilders, weightlifters, and football players seeking increased size or strength. However, during the 1970s, athletes began using steroids to gain a competitive edge. Dr. Charles Yesalis notes several ironies in the history of anabolic steroid use in sports and exercise, including the involvement of the medical community in developing these drugs and promoting their potential anti-aging effects (Yesalis 37). In 1977, the American College of Sports Medicine claimed that anabolic steroids were ineffective but reversed its stance in 1984 due to new scientific evidence; this change damaged their credibility among athletes. Nevertheless, when combined with intense training, anabolic steroids can surpass muscle mass and strength gains achievable through training aloneThe

mechanisms of steroid action involve increased protein synthesis, protection against exercise-induced muscle damage, effects on the nervous system and neuromuscular junctions, and heightened aggression. The short-term risks of anabolic steroids are well-documented, including temporary issues and potential long-term health threats, particularly if risk factors like low HDL levels persist. Although the long-term health problems associated with steroid use are not fully understood currently, it would be unwise to dismiss the consequences for both men and women. Despite the growing recognition of women in sports, they encounter similar challenges as men when it comes to drug use. According to Rene Portland, head basketball coach at Pennsylvania University (Yesalis 64), women's sports are following a negative path resembling men's sports that prioritizes "winning at all costs," shortcuts, and limiting athletes' independence. This mindset puts women at equal risk of using anabolic steroids as men do. Some women may turn to steroids under pressure but face even greater risks than men because they introduce a male hormone into their bodies. The use of anabolic steroids can lead to permanent changes in the body such as masculinization, hair loss, facial and pubic hair growth, deepening of voice,and clitoral enlargement.The addictive nature of these steroids is unclear, but most users are reluctant to stop using them. Interestingly, athletes would rather admit to using cocaine than confess to using steroids (Anabolic Steroids: A Threat to Mind and Body 3). The non-medical use of anabolic steroids is against the law, and users often obtain them through costly and illegal methods. Due to their illicit production, there is a risk of contamination with unknown substances.

Another frequently misused substance is Erythropoietin (EPO), which regulates

red blood cell production and oxygen delivery in the body. While it is typically used for medical purposes in treating anemia caused by kidney disease, long distance runners, swimmers, and cyclists misuse this performance-enhancing hormone. Their aim is to improve their blood's ability to transport oxygen to cells and thereby achieve significant race time improvements - up to a 30-second improvement for a twenty-minute race and up to four minutes for a marathon.

Overdosing on EPO can lead to blood thickening, making it challenging for the heart to pump effectively. Since 1987, there have been 25 unexplained deaths among elite cyclists suspected of being caused by EPO.

In 1995, a survey was conducted among US athletes asking if they would be willing take a drug that could make them champions but had the potential for death within five years.Over 50% of athletes responded affirmatively to the question (Breaking the Olympic Habit 2). Unfortunately, there is currently no official test for EPO, providing an ideal opportunity for cheaters. The International Olympic Committee has strict guidelines regarding testosterone/epitestosterone levels in urine, with a usual ratio of 1:1. However, some individuals deviate from this ratio, typically around four or five. In Sydney, the cut-off was set at six, allowing carefully monitored drug intake to still pass the test while using banned substances. These drugs are difficult to detect and even if an athlete stops using them well before testing, they may still test negative. Frank Shorter, Chairman of the US Anti-Doping Agency and former gold medalist, highlights that anticipating upcoming tests can throw cheaters off-balance (Breaking the Olympic Habit 3). Therefore, random and out-of-competition drug testing remains the only effective

method to catch cheaters. It's important to note that not all twenty-eight federations support out-of-competition testing. Furthermore, Michelle Smith—an Irish swimmer—married a former discus thrower from the Netherlands who was expelled from sports due to drug use. Despite this association with doping controversy, Michelle Smith won four medals in the Atlanta Olympics including three golds.She successfully avoided random drug testing for two years but eventually had to provide a urine sample at her home in Country Kilkenny. The sample contained a concerning amount of alcohol, leading to suspicions that she had added it to hide other drugs. As a result, she was banned from sports and remains banned. In contrast, East German athletes in 1978 were given steroids but none of them tested positive for drugs at the 1976 and 1980 summer games. These athletes achieved incredible success, earning a total of 216 medals, including 87 gold medals. Canadian coach Charlie Francis once argued that using drugs wasn't cheating if everyone was doing it. However, out of the 8,465 competitors at the Seoul Olympics, only ten individuals (including Ben Johnson) tested positive for drugs. Frank Shorter expressed doubts about the legitimacy of performances in endurance events while Craig Masback believes that extensive testing is conducted during the Olympics and most athletes are not using drugs. Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee emphasized the importance of drug testing efforts and their clear message. This text examines the fight against doping and its impact on athletes.The International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.) prohibits six classes of drugs and three methods for enhancing performance; however, some banned substances are not subjected to testing which raises concerns about

the effectiveness of drug testing.
Despite the limitations, athletes in the Sidney games will still be affected. Education is vital for controlling and eliminating drug use in sports. Many school districts and colleges have implemented formal drug education programs to tackle this issue. Young people who engage in illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin, and alcohol are aware of the risks to their health and legal consequences. However, young steroid users lack awareness as they do not perceive steroids as drugs. It is important to acknowledge that using steroids can lead to various health problems including musculoskeletal injuries, infertility, heart disease, stroke, prostate issues, and liver toxicity. Consequently, athletes who attain muscle and strength gains through hard work and proper diet without resorting to steroids benefit from long-term health advantages (Works Cited: National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Drug Abuse; Sullivan Robert; Song Sora; Sullivan Robert; Yesalis Charles E., Cowart Virginia S.). The Steroids Game by Wadler and Hainline in 1988 explores the subject of steroids in sports.