The performance of an elite athlete can sometimes be a stressful atmosphere to engage in. They are expected to train at a high level and continuously increase their performance to reach victory. Because competitiveness and the desire to win is so important to succeed, many will do anything to make this happen. Despite what the consequences may bring many professional and Olympic athletes take illegal drugs and supplements to help increase their performance.
Substance abuse is a recognized problem that occurs at all levels of competition. Athletes may take these drugs for therapeutic use, recreational or social reasons, performance-enhancing, or to cover up the presence of another drug that may be in their system. The use of ergolytic drugs ( performance-impairing) was found to be more commonly used the ergogenic drugs ( performance-enhancing). I think this is the case because athletes at all levels tend to have a more time consuming day then people who do not participate in sports. For example I have been involved competitively involved in diving during all of middle school, high school and now college. Although I fully enjoy diving its very time consuming because I would have practice everyday after school and meets on the weekends. Because I always have practice or a competition this also leaves me little free time between homework and other obligations that I may have. Even though this does not classify all athletes the American College of Sports Medicine reported that "athletes are thought to be vulnerable to recreational substance abuse because of some combination of the following variables: fame, fortune, free time, and the feeling on invincibility". Of the recreational substance abuse the most commonly abused drugs are cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana. Athletes that use cocaine and work out are endangering themselves of experiencing heart attacks. Cocaine increases the heart rate significantly and enhances the platelet activity which causes blood clots to form in the coronary arteries. ACSM also reports that "myocardial infarction (MI) has been reported in first-time and chronic cocaine users with and without risk factors for coronary artery disease". Athletes that abuse alcohol and marijuana often effect their careers because it can significantly impair performance. Although drug tests are required at a professional level these are two substances that are easier to avoid from showing up on a urine sample. Substance abuse is definitely a recognized issue in athletes. Coaches, trainers, health professionals, and other athletes should be alert to the possibility that this could be happening in their presence. These drugs may be putting athletes at an advantage for a short period of time however it will eventually catch up to them in the long run. For all of you who are athletes you should take this seriously and because you never no who you may help for the future.
I don't know why any athlete would use drugs. You have so much going for you then you go and alter your career and possibly life by doing these childish things. It just doesn't make sense sometimes why they would put themselves in jeopardy.
ReplyDeleteUsing drugs to help an athlete get better is awful. Drugs such as steroids obviously help athletes to improve a lot but professional athletes are already at the top. I feel its dumb for them to waste their talent like that or even risk getting fired. This is also is a let down for younger athletes who look up to those athletes. Overall i think drug use in athletes is a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteGood post!
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