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Although the phrase ''performance-enhancing drugs'' is popularly used in reference to [[anabolic steroids]] or their precursors, world anti-doping organizations apply the term broadly. The phrase has been used to refer to several distinct classes of drugs: |
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Although the phrase ''performance-enhancing drugs'' is popularly used in reference to [[anabolic steroids]] or their precursors, world anti-doping organizations apply the term broadly. The phrase has been used to refer to several distinct classes of drugs: |
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* '''Lean mass builders''' drive or amplify the growth of [[Body composition|muscle and lean body mass]]; sometimes they're used to reduce body fat. This class of drugs includes [[anabolic steroids]], [[xenoandrogens]], [[Beta2-adrenergic agonist|beta-2 agonists]], [[selective androgen receptor modulator]]s (SARMs), and various human [[hormones]], most notably [[human growth hormone]], as well as some of their precursors. Performance-enhancing drugs are also found in animals as synthetic growth hormone. |
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* '''Lean mass builders''' drive or amplify the growth of [[Body composition|muscle and lean body mass]]; sometimes they're used to reduce body fat. This class of drugs includes [[anabolic steroids]], [[xenoandrogens]], [[Beta2-adrenergic agonist|beta-2 agonists]], [[selective androgen receptor modulator]]s (SARMs), and various human [[hormones]], most notably [[human growth hormone]], as well as some of their precursors. Performance-enhancing drugs are also found in animals as synthetic growth hormone. |
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* '''[[Stimulants]]''' stimulate the body and mind to perform optimally by enhancing focus, energy, and aggression. Some examples are [[caffeine]], [[amphetamine]], and [[methamphetamine]]. |
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* '''[[Painkillers]]''' mask athletes' pain so they can continue to compete and perform beyond their usual pain thresholds. [[Blood pressure]] is increased causing the cells in the muscles to be better supplied with vital oxygen. Painkillers used by athletes range from common [[Over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter]] medicines such as [[NSAID]]s (such as [[ibuprofen]]) to powerful prescription [[narcotic]]s. |
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* '''[[Sedatives]]''' are sometimes used by athletes in sports like [[archery]] which require steady hands and accurate aim, and also by athletes attempting to overcome excessive nervousness or discomfort. [[Ethanol#Alcoholic beverages|Alcohol]], [[diazepam]], [[propranolol]], and [[cannabis (drug)|marijuana]] are examples. |
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* '''[[Diuretics]]''' expel water from athletes' bodies. They are often used by athletes such as [[Wrestling|wrestlers]], who need to meet weight restrictions. Many stimulants also have [[therapeutic effect|secondary]] diuretic effect. ''(Also used as a masking drug)'' |
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* '''Blood boosters''' increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood beyond the individual's natural capacity. Their misuse is centered on endurance sports like cycling and nordic skiing. [[Erythropoietin|EPO]] is the most publicly known drug in this class. |
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* '''Masking drugs''' are used to prevent the detection of other classes of drugs. These evolve as quickly as do testing methods – which is very quick indeed<ref>{{cite book|last=Yesalis|first=Charles|title=Anabolic Steroids in Sport and Exercise|chapter=12|location=Champaign, IL|publisher=Human Kinetics|year=2007}}</ref> – although a time-tested classic example is the use of [[epitestosterone]], a drug with no performance-enhancing effects, to restore the [[testosterone]]/epitestosterone ratio (a common criterion in steroid testing) to normal levels after anabolic steroid supplementation. |
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== Definition == |
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The classification of substances as performance-enhancing drugs is not entirely clear-cut and objective. As in other types of [[categorization]], certain [[Prototype theory|prototype]] performance enhancers are universally classified as such (like anabolic steroids), whereas other substances (like [[vitamins]] and [[protein]] supplements) are virtually never classified as performance enhancers despite their significant effects on athletes' performance.{{fact|date=October 2012}} As is usual with categorization, there are borderline cases; [[caffeine]], for example, is considered a performance enhancer by some athletic authorities but not others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/caffeine_sports.htm |title=Caffeine and Sports Performance |publisher=Vanderbilt.edu |date= |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
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*[[Anabolic steroid]] |
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*[[Banned substances in baseball in the United States]] |
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*[[Blood doping]] |
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*[[Bodybuilding]] |
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*[[Ergogenic aid]] |
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*[[Ergogenic use of anabolic steroids]] |
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*[[Steroid use in American football]] |
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== References == |
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{{reflist}} |
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== External links == |
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*[http://files.mlb.com/mitchrpt.pdf Mitchell Report] – regarding Major League Baseball. |
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*[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/performance-enhancing-drugs/HQ01105 Risks to health] – from Mayo Clinic. |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Performance-Enhancing Drugs}} |
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[[Category:Drugs in sport]] |
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