Doping
Doping refers to the use of banned athletic performance-enhancing drugs by athletic competitors. The term is widely used by organizations that regulate sporting competitions. The use of drugs to enhance performance is considered unethical, and therefore prohibited, by most international sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee.
History[edit | edit source]
The use of drugs to enhance performance in sports has certainly occurred since the time of the original Olympic Games (from 776 to 393 BC). The origin of the word 'doping' is attributed to the Dutch word 'doop,' which is a viscous opium juice, the drug of choice of the ancient Greeks.
Types of Doping[edit | edit source]
There are several types of doping that are commonly used in sports. These include Anabolic Steroids, Stimulants, Human Growth Hormone, and Erythropoietin.
Anabolic Steroids[edit | edit source]
Anabolic steroids, also known more properly as anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS), are steroidal androgens that include natural androgens like testosterone as well as synthetic substances that are structurally related and have similar effects to testosterone.
Stimulants[edit | edit source]
Stimulants (also often referred to as psychostimulants or colloquially as uppers) is an overarching term that covers many drugs including those that increase activity of the central nervous system and the body.
Human Growth Hormone[edit | edit source]
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pituitary gland. It is responsible for cell growth and regeneration.
Erythropoietin[edit | edit source]
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidney that promotes the formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow.
Effects of Doping[edit | edit source]
The effects of doping can be severe and can range from minor health issues to more serious health risks, including the risk of death.
Anti-Doping Organizations[edit | edit source]
Several organizations are tasked with the responsibility of preventing doping in sports. These include the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Performance-enhancing substance
- List of doping cases in sport
- Use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
