Reasons+for+using+drugs+in+sport

=** REASONS FOR USING DRUGS IN SPORT **= = =

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 * Drug use in sports (links to biological level of analysis) **

Anabolic steroids – men experience a feminization effect (development of breasts, decrease in normal sex function). Women experience masculinisation Continued use in both sexes: rapid weight gain, liver damage heart attack, elevated cholesterol level, mood swings – depression and raid rage Case study of Heidi Kreiger (links to biological level of analysis)


 * //__Why? __//**
 * Body a specialized tool that can be manipulated to increase performance
 * High performing athletes expected to seek all possible ways to improve performance (i.e., nutritional supplements, hi-tech materials, hyperbaric tents, altitude training)
 * Physical reasons: want to increase strength, endurance, alertness (focus) nad aggression (and decrease fatigue and anxiety)
 * Look more attractive? (**//Whitehead 1992//**)
 * Gain/lose weight (gymnastics, ice skating, wrestling, American football)
 * Cope w stress
 * Protect self-esteem
 * Response to expectations of coaches, parents, friends
 * Social reasons: social learning (**//Anshel 1998//**) as young see older using these drugs and receivning rewards; conformity (Newman 1991)
 * Game theory (**//Shermer 2008//**): erythropoietin (EPO – artificial hormones that stimulates production of red blood cells, which deliver more oxygen to muscles – well known in cycling); also abused = testosterone/HGH = use is difficult to detect and payoffs are for success are high, ‘clean’ riders may be so non-competitive that they risk being cut from team/not invited to races (Alelrod 1984; prisoner’s dilemma) – there is a cognitive rationale created by the situation encouraging people to use drugs (b/c penalities are not strict enough, drug-testing not reliable enough/rigorous enough, thus much incentive to cheat.

=** EFFECTS OF DRUG USE IN SPORT **= Case studies of Andreas/Heidi Krieger, Lyle Alzado, Greg Valentino, Chris Benoit, Terry Newton Link to depression in athletes



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 * Drug use in sports **

__**//Effects? //**__
 * L-T, both physical and psychological effects
 * Anabolic steroids - among the most commonly abused (synthetic derivatives of testosterone = natural effects trigger maturing of male reproductive system, growth of body hair and deepening of the voice; they increase protein synthesis within cells/help body to retain protein from food, which results in the buildup of cellular tissue (anabolism), especially in muscles)
 * Stacking (mega-dosing) = using a combination of different steroids
 * Effects can be irreversible and go undetected until too late/dangers may not show for months/years after use (side effects long after giving them up)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">HIV/Hepatitis B through use of needles
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Men experience a feminization effect (development of breasts, decrease in normal sex function, reduced sperm count, impotence, development of breasts, shrinking of testicles, difficulty while urinating)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Women experience masculinisation (growth of facial hair, deepened voice, breast reduction, or menstrual cycle changes)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Acne, rapid weight gain, liver damage, weakened tendons, premature stopping of growth in adolescents, severe mood swings/extreme irritability, feelings of invincibility/outright aggression (‘roid rage’)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Classic characteristics of addiction: cravings, difficulty in stopping steroid use and withdrawal symptoms

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Other common performance enhancing drugs (from IB Course Companion):


 * ** Drug ** || ** Reasons for taking ** || ** Side effects ** ||
 * EPO || Enhance oxygen transfer and stamina || Blood clots, increased risk of heart attack/stroke ||
 * Diuretics || Weight loss || Dehydration, muscle cramps, kidney stones, increased cholesterol levels ||
 * Narcotics || Mask pain || Increased pain threshold leading to failure to recognize injury, dependency, threat of overdose ||
 * Beta blockers || Reduce anxiety || Low blood pressure, slower heart rate, depression ||