Drug Use in Professional Sports

The Morning Edition (2003) presented a commentary regarding the continued use of drugs in professional sports. The example of THG (steroid) use was presented. THG is designed to be undetected in drug tests. The Food and Drug Administration designated THG as an illegal drug however it has been sold as a dietary supplement. Top athletes such as Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi (baseball players) were subpoenaed to testify regarding whether they were supplied THG. The use of this drug came to light due to a track coach who sent names of athletes using the drug and a syringe of THG to USADA ("Commentary," 2003). The New York Times presented an article by Lipstyte (1998), who stated that athletes support drug use, are against its regulation, and they fail to speak up regarding the matter. It is argued by some that Prozac and Viagra are taken by many individuals to enhance their performance, without apology and thus athletes should be aloud to do the same. Other athletes fear reprimand should they be caught for using drugs and therefore remain silent. Thus, w

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y professional athletes. Sports are not immune to the use of these social drugs, which includes stimulants (amphetamines, Cocaine), narcotic analgesics (opiates), cannabinoids, alcohol, and more. Sports that may be at the greatest risk when these drugs are used include motor racing, motorcycle racing, and horse racing, since impaired performance places the participant in danger. Preboth (2000) reported that the use of recreational drugs among athletes is more common than the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The use of alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and marijuana in athletes is more common than use of anabolic steroids. Cocaine is not viewed as a performance-enhancing drug and the athletic ability actually deteriorates with cocaine use. Factors related to recreational substance abuse include money, free time, fame, and feelings of invincibility, age, family influence, peer pressure, genetics, education, and mental health variables. Cocaine use in athletes can be detected by behaviors such as arriving early or late or missing practice, and fighting with teammates. This drug use is a concern since athletes may experience anxiety, chest pain, sinusitis, chronic nasal drip, hyperthermia, breath shortness, palpitations, and e
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Approximate Word count = 1212
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)

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