Performance-enhancing drugs are any substance taken to perform better athletically. This term is referenced often and typically refers to anabolic steroid use in sports by professional and amateur athletes. Other substances may also be taken to improve performance, including human growth hormone (hGH), EPO (for aerobic endurance), diuretics and alcohol (to mask other drug use).
Performance Enhancing Drugs"If I could give you a pill that would make you an Olympic champion -- and also kill you in a year -- would you take it?" Dr. Gabe Mirkin asked competitive runners that question in advance of a Washington, D.C., road race in 1967. Of the approximately 100 athletes who returned Mirkin's questionnaire, more than half responded that they would take the pill.
Click on the image above to examine how performance enhancing drugs work. Take particular note of: - Anabolic Steroids & Human Growth Hormone - EPO & blood doping - Diuretics |
Is PED use cheating?The debate over the use of drugs in sports has been argued over for a long time and it continues to be be a complex issue.
People against their use say that it's cheating and tarnishes reputations. People for say that it is unrealistic and hypocritical to not allow it. No matter your personal opinion it is interesting to listen to both sides of the argument. In 2007, six experts took on this debate. Listen to the edited broadcast below and create your own list of positive and negative points |
Drug Testing in SportWatch the two clips above from VEA education and the Bigger, Faster, Stronger documentary (deleted scene) to explore the limitations of drug testing.
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