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Athletes, Drug Abuse, and Its Unethical Behavior

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Athlete drug misuse is a critical issue that has become a big concern in sports. Adverse

effects on the health of the athlete, the team, and their families are just one consequence of this

immoral practice (Lazuras & Barkoukis, 2020). This essay will discuss how common doping is

in sports, what it means, and why that is not okay. Some of the issues discussed include athlete

health hazards, effects on the team, and the possibility of negative public attention. Being a form

of professional cheating that can result in suspension or even expulsion from the sport, the article

will also explain why such behavior is immoral. Ultimately, it will show how much more

education and preventative initiatives are needed to get athletes to stop using drugs and make

better decisions.

Background information on performance-enhancing drugs

PEDs, or "performance-enhancing drugs," are any substances or techniques that

artificially boost athletic ability. One can either orally consume, intravenously inject or topically

apply these medications. Anabolic steroids, stimulants, peptide hormones, and diuretics are

performance-enhancing drugs (Underwood, 2017). Muscle and strength can be increased with

anabolic steroids, which are artificial forms of the male hormone testosterone. Stimulants, like

amphetamines and caffeine, are medicines that boost mental and physical performance. Naturally

occurring peptide hormones, such as human growth hormone (HGH), have improved muscle

mass, strength, and size. Diuretics are medications that increase the amount of pee produced,

aiding in weight loss.

PEDs have been a hot topic of debate in the sports world for a long time. Some studies

have found an increased risk of injury and death associated with using PEDs, among other health

risks (La Gerche & Brosnan, 2017). PEDs have also been associated with dishonesty, as some

athletes may be tempted to use them to gain an unfair advantage over their rivals. Performance-
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enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports persist despite their dangers. The possibility of enhanced

performance entices professional and amateur athletes, who are willing to take risks to achieve

this. In addition, several performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) can now be purchased online.

Organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have taken a strong stance against

PEDs in sports, and there is widespread agreement that their use is unacceptable (Gleaves &

Christiansen, 2019). Athletes are tested for banned substances, athletes found to be using PEDs

are given sanctions, and athletes are educated on the dangers of PED use as part of WADA's

efforts to detect and discourage the use of PEDs.

The use of PEDs in sports remains a concern despite the efforts of groups like WADA. It

is becoming increasingly difficult to identify and dissuade using PEDs as technology and PED

uses both progress (Coquet et al., 2018). Combating performance-enhancing drug usage in sports

is a complex problem that requires many strategies. The best way to stop athletes from using

performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and ensure those who use them face consequences is

through education and raising awareness about their risks. More study into novel drug detection

systems is required to guarantee further that athletes cannot game the system.

Favorable performance-enhancing drugs

Athletes sometimes utilize PEDs to give themselves a competitive edge—perfectly legal

supplements and illicit drugs. Anabolic steroids, stimulants, growth hormones, and

erythropoietin (EPO) are just a few of the most commonly used pharmacological aid

(erythropoietin) (Martínez-Sanz et al., 2017). Each of these medications has benefits and

drawbacks; finding the best depends on one's situation. The most common type of performance-

enhancing substance is anabolic steroids. They help users gain muscle, strength, and stamina.

Aggression and a will to win are two more traits that anabolic steroids can boost. When
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compared to other performance-enhancing medicines, anabolic steroids have the advantage of

being affordable. In addition to their beneficial effects, anabolic steroids can have specific

undesirable side effects in women.

Another class of drugs commonly used to boost athletic performance is stimulants.

Stimulants enhance cognitive performance by boosting consciousness and arousal (Barkoukis et

al., 2019). Stimulants are helpful for athletes because they keep them focused and help them

overcome exhaustion. Stimulants' primary benefit is that they do not usually need a prescription

and can be used legally. It is vital to use caution when using stimulants because of the risk of

addiction.

The hormone growth, which occurs spontaneously, is crucial for proper development and

maturation. Athletes take it to boost their muscular size, strength, and stamina. Growth hormone

can significantly improve an athlete's performance but is also reasonably safe. It is effective, but

only when combined with anabolic steroids, which can be costly. Further, erythropoietin (EPO)

is a hormone administered to boost erythrocyte (red blood cell) synthesis (Salamin et al., 2018).

Athletes utilize it to boost aerobic capacity and endurance. EPO has the benefit of being taken

without the worry of severe side effects, making it a desirable option. Unfortunately, EPO can be

difficult to find and is somewhat pricey.

Methods of using performance-enhancing drugs

PEDs, or performance-enhancing drugs, are synthetic substances that boost athletic

ability and muscle size. PEDs are commonly used by those in competitive sports, in the

bodybuilding industry, and for other performance enhancement purposes. When using drugs to

improve performance, injections are a standard method. Injections of this sort are frequently
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given in the buttocks, shoulder, or thigh. PEDs like anabolic steroids, HGH, and peptides are

most commonly administered via injection (Brennan et al., 2017). These medications are injected

directly into the bloodstream for rapid and effective absorption.

PEDs are also commonly used in the form of oral tablets. Anabolic steroids, diuretics,

and stimulants are all common ingredients in daily oral tablets (Nicholls et al., 2017). Muscle-

building anabolic steroids, performance-enhancing stimulants, and diuretics are commonly used

by athletes. PEDs can also be applied topically in the form of creams and gels as well as taken

orally in the form of pills. The anabolic steroids, insulin-like growth factors, and testosterone

found in these topical creams and gels are applied directly to the skin (Piacentino et al., 2017).

Absorption through the skin and entry into the bloodstream make these substances more

effective than oral tablets. Last but not least, some pharmacological aids to performance are

administered via inhalation. Most stimulants, including ephedrine, amphetamines, and caffeine,

are taken this way. The canister and a nasal spray form are available for inhalation of these

materials.

Unethical behaviors of using Performance enhancing drugs

PEDs have the potential to improve performance, but their usage is frowned upon by

athletes, coaches, and sports organizations. Athletes can gain an unfair advantage using PEDs

compared to their clean counterparts (Ring et al., 2022). Athletes who use performance-

enhancing drugs (PEDs) distort the accurate measure of their abilities since the drugs give them

an unfair advantage. This makes it more difficult for clean athletes to advance in their careers

and can lead to situations where they are unfairly compared to PED users. Bribery and other

sorts of corruption become possible when athletes take PEDs.

PEDs could provide significant health concerns if misused. Many performance-enhancing

medications are not only prohibited but can cause significant health problems such as heart

attacks, strokes, liver damage, and even death (Reardon et al., 2019). PED use is associated with

an increased risk of depression and irritability. Athletes should also consider the long-term

effects of Steroid use. It can cause problems in the locker room by damaging trust between

players and coaches and hurting an athlete's reputation with the public and the media.

The reputation of a whole sport could suffer, and professional athletes might need help

securing endorsement deals and other possibilities as a result (Lazuras & Barkoukis, 2020).

Athletes, their sports, and our culture are all negatively affected by the usage of PEDs, which is

an unethical practice. Maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that all athletes compete on

an equal footing without using performance-enhancing substances is the only method to

guarantee fairness in sports.

Conclusion

In conclusion, athletes considering performance-enhancing drugs should be cognizant of

the psychological and physiological dangers they provide. These drugs endanger an athlete's

body, psyche, and career. Long-term effects include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease

and stroke and a negative effect on the athlete's personal life. Athletes who take performance-

enhancing drugs run the risk of having their performances suffer because their bodies cannot

handle the added demands. Doping controversies can be devastating to an athlete's career and

reputation. The risks of taking performance-enhancing medicines should make athletes think

twice before they use them. Using performance-enhancing substances may compromise an

athlete's ability to lead a happy, healthy, and productive life.

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