Enhancement Drugs influence the career of professional athletes Essay

Will we be able to barricade ‘Doping’ from intoxicating the world of sports? The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) states that the term doping comes from the Africans word ‘dop,’ a concoction made from grape leaves that Zulu warriors drank before going into battle (as sited in Maxwell, & Melham, 2005, p.1). Today, many athletes worldwide have been found guilty of breaching the Anti Doping Act. Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of drug offenders in sports, as the need to win becomes priority and dope is relayed from athlete to athlete, directly and indirectly. Though not used by all, it is imperative for sports personnel to be educated and be made aware of the health issues such as cardiovascular disease and legal ramifications associated with the use of Performance Enhancement Drugs. The use of performance enhancing drugs improves the athletes’ performance; however, it may endanger the body’s natural mechanism. The body is an organism that is able to carry out its optimal function by how it is treated through the lifestyle, whether sedentary or active, nutritional habits, exercise and hygienic habits of the individual. These are altered by the use of drugs. Many athletes are oblivious to the reality of the grave effects of doping on the body and put themselves at risk for acquiring many potential illnesses, for example, â€Å"cardiovascular and liver disease, infertility in males and females and emotional instability – depression† (Maxwell et al., 2005). These reactions may be evident after prolonged use of drugs as athletes may become dependent. In contrast, enhancement drugs may â€Å"increase the athletes strength, speed, appetite and reduce fatigue† (Arnheim, & Prentice, 2002). These advantages add to the overwhelm... ..., this would lead to chaos, indiscipline, a breakdown in social order and a failure in the ethics of sports. The World Anti doping Agency has joined with the medical team in order to maintain and monitor the standards deemed appropriate by the Anti doping Agencies, to promote healthy sportsmanship for all competitors. Works Cited Arnheim D, & Prentice W, Essentials of Athletic Training (2002) 5th Ed. Chapter 23, pp518-519. New York. Levy L. (2011). Steve Mullings Tested Positive, The Gleaner, pp1. Sec B. Maxwell J, & Mehlman J.D, (2005) Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports: http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com Retrieved: March 2, 2012 Sommerville S, lewis M. (2005) Accidental breaches of the doping regulations in sports: Is there a need to improve the education of sports people: Sports Med, British Journal of Sports Medicine; 39:512-516, doi: 10.1136