List of drugs banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency

List of Drugs Banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an international organization created to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against drugs in sports. To maintain the integrity of sports, WADA publishes an annual list of prohibited substances and methods that athletes are forbidden to use. This list is a comprehensive document that categorizes substances based on their potential to enhance performance, pose a health risk to athletes, or violate the spirit of sport.

Prohibited Substances

The list of banned substances is divided into several categories, each targeting specific types of drugs or methods of doping. These categories include:

Anabolic Agents

Anabolic agents, such as anabolic steroids, are designed to increase muscle mass and strength. They are one of the most commonly known classes of performance-enhancing drugs.

Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, and Related Substances

This category includes substances like Erythropoietin (EPO), which increases oxygen delivery to muscles, and human growth hormone (hGH), which promotes muscle growth and recovery.

Beta-2 Agonists

Used primarily for treating asthma, beta-2 agonists can also increase muscle mass and reduce body fat, making them attractive as performance-enhancing drugs.

Hormone and Metabolic Modulators

This group includes substances that modify the action of hormones within the body, such as aromatase inhibitors, which can increase testosterone levels by inhibiting its conversion to estrogen.

Diuretics and Masking Agents

Diuretics are used to rapidly lose weight or to mask the presence of other drugs in urine tests by diluting the urine.

Prohibited Methods

In addition to substances, WADA also bans certain methods of doping, including:

Blood Doping

Blood doping is the practice of increasing the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, thereby enhancing aerobic capacity and endurance.

Gene Doping

Gene doping involves the transfer of genes directly into a person's body to enhance performance, a method that remains theoretical but is prohibited due to its potential.

Chemical and Physical Manipulation

This refers to tampering with doping controls, including the alteration of urine samples.

Monitoring Program

WADA also monitors certain substances which are not on the prohibited list but are considered to be at risk of misuse in sport. These substances are monitored to detect patterns of misuse in sport.

Enforcement and Sanctions

Athletes found to have violated anti-doping regulations by using banned substances or methods may face sanctions ranging from warnings to lifetime bans from competition, depending on the severity of the violation.

Conclusion

The list of drugs banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency is a critical tool in the fight against doping in sports. By defining and updating prohibited substances and methods, WADA works to ensure a level playing field and to protect the health and well-being of athletes worldwide.