Sport Drugs

I. Why are certain substances banned?

  1. they may cause harm

  2. violates state or federal laws

  3. violates organizational policies (e.g., IOC)

  4. contaminates performance results

II. Drugs that may enhance performance

  1. anabolic androgenic steroids

    A. synthetic derivatives of testosterone

    B. taken to increase strength & power

    C. possible side effects

    D. stacking (pyramiding)

    E. routes of administration

    F. where do they come from

    G. erythropoietin: an anabolic protein

  2. human growth hormone

    A. thought to facilitate fat breakdown

    B. advertised to promote youthfulness

    C. possible adverse effects

  3. stimulants banned by the IOC

    A. the amphetamines

      a. endurance increased fatigue reduced

      b. increased vigilance and attention

    B. caffeine

      a. banned by IOC in 1984

      b. helpful for endurance events

  4. narcotic (e.g., morphine) drugs in sport

    A. relieve pain, diminish inflammation, reduce fever,

    B. harmful effects gastrointestinal problems

  5. beta-adrenergic blockers

    A. used in archery and shooting events

    B. thought to slow the heart rate

  6. diuretics

    A. used to make weight

    B. quickly flush other illegal drugs out

  7. depressents (generally not helpful in sport)

    A. to reduce anxiety and arousal

  8. local anesthetics: not banned by the IOC

    A. to reduce pain

  9. corticosteroids: not banned by IOC

    A. to reduce pain and inflammation

 10. blood doping

    A. remove blood, freeze it, infusing shortly before competition

    B. to increase red-blood cell mass (oxygen intake)

III. Amino acids and vitamins

  1. creatine:

    A. found in meat & fish

    B. made in our own kidneys

    C. thought to increase muscle & speed

  2. androstenedione:

    A. precursor to testosterone

IV. human chorionic gonadotropin

    A. secreted by placenta soon after conception

    B. made from urine of pregnant women

    C. thought to facilitate wt. loss

    D. under some circumstances stimulates testosterone release

 

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