Athletes with an Edge: How Far is Too Far?

Sports have become incredibly competitive, and substance abuse in athletics is a controversial topic in the news. While some athletes use harmless methods of preparing themselves mentally and physically for competition (like wearing special socks or eating a high-carbohydrate diet), others cannot resist the temptation to chemically alter their bodies in an attempt to get ahead.

Although the short-term effects may be to increase their competitiveness, abusing certain substances can have serious consequences in the long run.

What substances do athletes commonly abuse? Steroids: Anabolic (“muscle-building”) and Androgenic (increasing male sexual characteristics) steroids mimic the male sex hormone testosterone. Steroids do have legitimate medical uses for the treatment of a range of conditions; however, athletes often abuse steroids to improve their performance or physical appearance. Athletes administer steroids in cycles over the course of many months and usually in tandem with workout programs. Prolonged steroid abuse can lead to renal failure, paranoia, liver failure, high blood pressure, jaundice, acne, infertility in men, and facial hair in women. Amphetamines: Amphetamines are Central Nervous System stimulants. Athletes report that amphetamine use enhances performance and increases alertness. Amphetamines (chemically similar to methamphetamines), which are man-made substances that resemble naturally occurring substances, are usually administered shortly before competition for a “burst” of energy. In medicine, amphetamines are used to treat such conditions as narcolepsy, obesity, asthma, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Amphetamine abuse can disrupt sleep, decrease appetite, cause cardiovascular problems, and lead to aggressive behaviors and paranoia. Other: Athletes may use other stimulants to increase their energy as well as human growth hormone (HGH). HGH is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that helps children grow and can reduce body fat in adults. However, potential side effects of HGH abuse include fluid retention, liver damage, joint pain, and high blood pressure. Other substances that are abused by athletes include blood boosters like erythropoietin. Blood boosters increase the body’s production of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to the body.

What are signs that an athlete is using a substance?

• Moodiness
• Depression
• Aggression or violence
• A desire for privacy before competition
• Hair growth or loss (females)
• Defensive attitude when the topic arises
• Mentally distant
• Acne or jaundice
• Quickly gaining body mass
• Sexual risk-taking
• Snorting or injecting substances that should be administered orally