Drugs and SportDrugs and Sport

History of Performance History of Performance Enhancing DrugsEnhancing Drugs

First reported use of drugs in sport took place in 1879 in the sport of cycling

Riders were suspected of taking caffeine, ether, cocaine and heroin to keep themselves going during the first 6 day race

First doping fatality was 1890 when a british cyclist died under the influence of ephedrine

Ben JohnsonBen Johnson

1988 Olympic 100m final

Ben Johnson wins in a world record 9.79s

Stripped of gold 3 days later following positive drugs test

What are drugs?What are drugs?

Chemical substances which, when introduced to the body alter its biochemical systems

Drugs are designed to improve physiological imbalances within a specific system

The development of dope testing The development of dope testing at the Olympic Gamesat the Olympic Games

The IOC (international Olympic committee) Medical Commission was formed in 1966

1st official dope controls took place in the 1968 Olympics

The presence of one of the banned substances constitutes an offence

How are athletes testedHow are athletes tested

Normally the 3 medallists are chosen from an event and then other random athletes

Out of competition testing also occurs increasingly frequently. Why???

Athlete is to sign a form accepting the procedure (to not sign is an admission of guilt)

The competitor goes to the control station (and can be accompanied by a team manager or other official) to provide a urine sample.

Sufficient urine is collected to allow for two tests

Result of AnalysisResult of Analysis

If a negative result then the governing body is informed and the samples destroyed

If positive, the athlete is suspended until further tests are carried out on the 2nd sample

Types of performance enhancing Types of performance enhancing drugsdrugs

StimulantsStimulants

These have a direct, stimulating effect on the central nervous and cardiovascular system.

This increases the work rate of the athlete and reduces the feelings of fatigue

Many stimulants occur naturally – caffeine, nicotine

CaffeineCaffeine

Occurs naturally in tea, coffeeFound in chocolate, fizzy drinks,

paracetamol, flu remedies etc etcAccelerates the respiratory and heart rates

and improves reaction time

AmphetaminesAmphetamines

First used in Germany in 1887 to treat nervous diseases

Amphetamines allow people to work at high levels for prolonged periods of time

They also have the effect of reducing performance in activities that require a high degree of coordination and rapid decision making

EphedrineEphedrine

Often used in low doses in hay fever and cold remedies

In high doses these compounds produce mental stimulation and increased blood flow

Narcotic AnalgesicsNarcotic Analgesics

Drugs of this type include – morphine, heroin, methodone and codeine

Narcotics put people to sleep and the analgesics kill pain

Cyclists used these towards the end of a race, it gives a sudden rush followed by a longer sedating effect (useful in recovery)

Anabolic SteroidsAnabolic Steroids

Main use is during training sessions prior to competition.

Anabolic steroids promote growth and healing

They are used to build up their power and recovery rate after training

Steroids (which are male hormones) have 2 side effects on the human body

1. Androgenic Effects1. Androgenic Effects

ImpotencyInfertilityProstate cancerAcneDeep voice (in females)Loss of sexual urges

2. Anabolic Effects2. Anabolic Effects

Increases risk of coronary heart diseaseIncreased retention of salt and water

(thereby gaining weight)Formation of tumours on Liver and KidneysIncrease in aggression (‘..roid rage’)

TestosteroneTestosterone

Male hormone produced naturally in the body by both males and females

Greater amounts in men increase sexual potency, aggression and competitive urge

Long term effects on women unknown

BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines

Reduces anxiety without effecting judgement or coordination

Gives you a hang over effect following use

Beta BlockersBeta Blockers

Group of drugs which act on the sympathetic nervous system and prevent adrenalin being distributed in the body

Reduces heart rate and cardiac outputUsed in highly stressful sports or sport

situationsThey cause nightmares, insomnia and

depression

DiureticsDiuretics

Are used to eliminate fluid from the bodyHelps to lose weight in a very short period

of time (what sports would that be useful for?)

Blood DopingBlood Doping

Athletes train at altitude and the body produces more red blood cells to cope with the thinner air

They remove a sample of blood (with the increased blood cell count)

At sea level they reinject the blood and their aerobic performance improves

CBBC Newsround 2004CBBC Newsround 2004US kids 'taking drugs for sport' Updated 15 July 2004, 07.08

More than half a million US high school kids are taking drugs to improve their athletic performance, according to the country's anti-doping agency.

The pressure on kids to succeed in sport means many of them are turning to drugs like steroids to improve both their performance and their appearance. Officials estimate that 175,000 high school girls and 350,000 boys are using performance-enhancing drugs each year. The government has been asked to warn kids of the dangers involved. An anti-doping agency spokesman said there was a health crisis affecting "every American teenager who dreams of becoming a professional or Olympic athlete". He called for improved standards in testing amateur and professional athletes in the country.