Performance enhancing drugs
Peformance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) have been in the headlines in Australia since February 2013 when the Australian Crime Commission announced the findings of a 12-month investigation into the integrity of Australian sport and the relationship between professional sporting bodies, prohibited substances and organised crime. The subsequent investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) has involved high profile sports in this country. While the sports involved have suffered the real focus should be the welfare of the people taking the drugs because as a new review has indicated, taking these drugs can have real negative health consequences.
The Australian investigation identified widespread use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones, and illicit drugs in professional sport. It also found that this use has been facilitated by sports scientists, high-performance coaches, and sports staff. Of course, high level athletes around the world have been found for decades to be making use of illegal PEDs and the new review aimed to highlight the negative effects for individuals of taking these drugs.
The most frequently used PEDs are muscle builders like anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), human growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor, insulin, stimulants, erythropoietin (EPO), and thyroid hormone. The negative effects are many and varied.
These researchers say that PED use can result in infertility, sexual dysfunction, hair loss, acne, and testicular atrophy. AAS drugs can also dispose users to rage, antisocial behaviour, violence, and suicide. People who use PEDs are also likely to engage in other high risk behaviours such as alcohol and opiate abuse. The report also notes that the PED users at greatest risk are those who develop a dependence on the drug and estimates are that nearly a third of AAS users will develop dependence at some time.
While the focus has been on the naming and shaming of the individuals who have taken drugs for the unfair benefits they have gained, there should also be some attempt to support those individuals who are also taking grave risks with their health and to prevent others following the same course.
