11.1 - Performance-enhancing Drugs (PEDs)
Understanding performance-enhancing drugs and doping
Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are chemical substances that alter the body's natural chemical balance when ingested or injected. These drugs can improve a performer's physical or mental abilities, often giving them an unfair advantage over competitors who do not use them.
Doping refers to the use of illegal substances, such as PEDs, by athletes or sports performers to boost their performance. Ethical behaviour in sport involves following high moral standards, being honest, and adhering to the correct code of conduct. Using PEDs violates these principles, as it undermines fair competition and can harm the integrity of the sport.
Main types of performance-enhancing drugs
There are four primary types of PEDs, which can be remembered using the mnemonic "BADS": beta blockers, anabolic steroids, diuretics, and stimulants. Each type has specific effects on the body, associated risks, and is commonly linked to certain sports where performers seek particular advantages.
Beta blockers
Beta blockers are drugs that block the effects of adrenaline (a hormone that increases heart rate and blood pressure during stress).
Effects, risks, and associated sports:
- Effects - They keep the heart rate low, create a calming effect, and reduce anxiety, helping performers stay steady and focused.
- Risks - These include reduced blood pressure, tiredness, heart failure, and depression.
- Associated sports - Archery, diving, shooting, and snooker, where precision and calmness are essential.
Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic testosterone (a natural hormone involved in muscle growth).
Effects, risks, and associated sports:
- Effects - They rapidly increase muscle mass, enable longer and harder training sessions, boost power and strength, and speed up recovery from exertion.
- Risks - Users may experience aggressive behaviour, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver problems, and hormonal imbalances.
- Associated sports - Athletics, baseball, cycling, football, and rugby, where strength and endurance provide a competitive edge.
Diuretics
Diuretics are substances that increase urine production to remove excess water and salts from the body.
Effects, risks, and associated sports:
- Effects - They promote quick water elimination, leading to rapid weight loss, and can mask the presence of other PEDs in tests.
- Risks - These involve dehydration, weakening of muscles, kidney problems, and nausea.
- Associated sports - Boxing, gymnastics, jockeying, and horse racing/riding, often in weight-restricted categories.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that speed up the activity of the central nervous system.
Effects, risks, and associated sports:
- Effects - They reduce the sensation of pain, increase mental and physical alertness, and heighten overall responsiveness.
- Risks - Potential issues include addiction, high blood pressure, strokes, and an increased risk of injury due to suppressed pain signals.
- Associated sports - American football, athletics, and swimming, where quick reactions and endurance are key.
Reasons why athletes use performance-enhancing drugs
Athletes may turn to PEDs for various reasons, often driven by the pressure to succeed in competitive environments.
Common reasons include:
- To reach peak performance levels, even if it means ignoring ethical standards.
- To make up for a lack of natural talent or ability.
- To develop muscle mass more quickly than through natural training methods alone.
- To gain success, financial rewards, professional contracts, and sponsorship deals.
- Due to pressure from coaches, teammates, or the training culture.
- To cope with anxiety before competitions.
- For quicker recovery from injuries or to manage pain during performance.
- To level the playing field against competitors who are already using PEDs.
Consequences of using performance-enhancing drugs
Using PEDs can lead to severe repercussions, affecting not only the individual athlete but also their team, sport, and personal health.
Main consequences include:
- Sporting penalties - Bans and suspensions from competitions.
- Reputational damage - Loss of public respect, sponsorships, and career opportunities.
- Health impacts - Specific risks vary by drug type, such as heart problems from steroids or dehydration from diuretics.
- Damage to sport's credibility - Widespread doping erodes trust in fair play and can deter fans and participants.
- Effects on others - Teammates may suffer, for example, if a relay team loses medals because one member is found to have doped.
Anti-doping organisations and standards
To combat doping, various organisations work together to monitor and regulate sports worldwide. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an independent body that monitors all sporting activities globally. It conducts tests on performers and promotes education through scientific research to prevent PED use.
Key anti-doping organisations
- National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) - These handle testing for athletes competing within their own country's borders.
- Regional Anti-Doping Organisations (RADOs) - They provide testing and support on a regional level.
- Olympic and Paralympic committees - These bodies also perform testing, especially during major events.
WADA's five international standards
WADA enforces consistent rules through five key standards to ensure fair and effective anti-doping efforts.
The five international standards:
- Prohibited substance list - A regularly updated list of banned PEDs and methods.
- Testing investigation procedures - Guidelines for how tests are conducted and investigations are carried out.
- Laboratory standards - Requirements for labs to produce accurate and reliable results.
- Therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) - Allowances for athletes with valid medical conditions to use certain substances under strict conditions.
- Privacy protection - Measures to ensure confidentiality of athletes' personal data during testing.
Testing methods for performance-enhancing drugs
Anti-doping testing is designed to detect PEDs fairly and accurately. It can occur randomly, either during competitions or outside of them.
Main testing procedures
- Blood testing - Involves taking samples using sealed kits divided into A and B portions for verification.
- Urine sampling - Collected under observation by officials of the same gender to prevent tampering.
- Two-stage process - The A sample is tested first; if positive, the B sample is analysed to confirm the result.
- Sanctions - If doping is confirmed, penalties are applied by the relevant sporting organisation, such as fines or bans.