The purpose of this paper is to explore the athlete’s performance through the use of performance enhancement drugs. This will include research from four Internet and one non-Internet publications. These publications will include: the affects stimulants and anabolic steroids has on the athlete physiological and psychological along with the use of anabolic androgenic steroids that creates a winning atmosphere where losing is not an option. This research also includes the various types of stimulants and how anabolic androgenic steroids are made along with the dangers and side affects of using stimulants and anabolic steroids. Also include in this research is the latest trends in performance enhancement.
Athlete’s Performance Enhancement …show more content…
Along with the advantage the athlete has over their opponent for winning, these steroids cause the athletes, both male and female, to undergo physiological changes that includes increased body mass, muscular strength and bulk, speed, improved performance and appearance. These steroids give the athletes, both male and female, the ability to achieve significant gains in muscular strength and bulk along with performance improvements and speed (Sari, 2010).
The reasons anabolic steroid use can lead to dependence include a physiological dependence on the athlete. This means that the athlete needs an increased amount in order to feel the effect due to the diminished effect by using the same amount, is taken to relieve or avoid the symptoms of withdrawal, social influences from peers, coaches, trainers and family. The attitude from the team to compete and win at all costs, the vulnerability of the individual and social factors from school experiences are also reasons for steroid use (Sari, 2010).
Psychological Affects of Anabolic Androgenic …show more content…
The athletes perception and alertness are not as good as they think. Their playing becomes an illusion (Lumpkin, Stoll, and Beller, 2003, p. 209).
Types of performance enhancing drugs
The types of stimulants that are used as performance enhancing drugs include: caffeine, cocaine, Benzedrine, Ritalin, and Methedrine, speed, and amphetamines. Athletes also abuse anabolic steroids, vitamins, health foods, human growth hormones, amino acids, natural herbs and blood doping.
Strategies used for preventing the use of performance-enhancing drugs such as drug testing, drug banning and involving parents
There are various organizations set up to regulate and oversee sports programs to ensure athletes do not use performance-enhancing drugs. These organizations include the International Olympic Committee, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and State High-school Sports Association. They ensure that the uses of these substances are against the rules by enforcing the use of drug bans and strict drug testing done before, during and after a game. If an athlete is found to test position for drugs, there are stiff penalties including loss of playing privileges, removal of awards or championships, loss of scholarships, and also includes