Using Brand Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sport - Report Example

Title: Using Brand Performance Enhancing Drugs In Sport Name: Institution: Abstract The sports world is has been characterized by various developments in the recent times. Ultimately, doping or use of performance enhancing drugs is not one of these new phenomenons as it has featured prominently for several years in the sporting. It has nonetheless undergone various phases of development such as methods of absorption to the methods of detection and even the effects on various users. In this paper, all these stages will be looked into in trying to gain understanding into their relationship with sportsmanship. Introduction The question of drug use to enhance performance has been a subject of discussion in various forums, sometimes posing serious questions, controversies and even dilemma to some extent. There are those who argue that the use of drugs in sports is not entirely bad while others hold that it is a totally unacceptable vice given that it places competitors at an unfair advantage over others. The other issues that have been raised in this regard concerns the health of the users and the overall effect during and even after the users’ stops taking the drugs. In the wake of such arguments, this study becomes important as it will help to explore this subject in details. In 1997, young aspiring athletes were posed with two questions: “If you were offered a banned performance-enhancing substance that guaranteed that you would win an Olympic medal and you could not be caught, would you take it?” In response, 195 of 198 athletes said yes. The second question was: “Would you take banned performance-enhancing drug with a guarantee that you will not be caught, you will win every competition for the next 5 years, but then will die from adverse effects of the substance?” To this, more than 50% of the athletes said yes. It is in view of such concerns that this study gains ground (Grucza, 2006) Performance Enhancing and Reasons/Causes Agreeably, the use of drug use in sport cannot be defined using a basic or primary definition, as this would raise controversies as to the extent that would be considered illegal. One of the most common definitions given this undertaking is the use of a drug or blood product to improve athletic performance (Freeman, 2004). This definition is nonetheless subject to criticism for its failure to address other aspects of this behavior. For instance, under this definition one may question whether taking a drug, say Tylenol, to ease muscle aches after a long and rather difficult workout or preventing the constricting of the airway using an asthma inhaler would amount to doping. Amid such loopholes, perhaps a more insightful definition may be include such an element, as the act must consist a violation of sporting ethics or be against the acceptable principles of sportsmanship either on a local basis or even internationally. Still then, the question of what standards or principles of sportsmanship are acceptable where and by who arise. However, the aspect that the act includes a violation of some standards becomes an important aspect that puts some standard to the definition. This, to some extent is in line with the definition put forth by the World Anti Doping Association that defined doping as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations Reasons/Causes for Doping From a primary perspective, it is unarguable that the core reason why athletes engage in this act is to enhance their performance at any given competition in a manner that leads them to win. While looking at this discussion, we may look into this observation: What is the difference between the athlete who stops eating pies and the athlete who starts taking steroids? The common denominator is that they are both altering their diets in the interests of good performance. Regardless of where you stand, as competitors or spectators, the interest is to witness glorious, exceptional, superlative physical performances done by human beings, not any other natural or artificial creature. Under such demands, the humans tasked with the role of ensuring that their performance is thrilling to the cheerful crowd could easily be tempted to ue unconventional methods of doing this. In addition athletes may have the believe that that doping may contribute in extending their careers or assist in the process of recovery after performance. Some other attitudes could be that doping will take the athletes to the next level and increase earning potential. In basic terms, it’s all about gaining advantage over their adversaries. After all, the overall measure is gauged in terms of how well or poorly an individual performs. Disadvantages of Using the Doping In Sport and How It Affects the Athletes The effects of performance enhancing drugs, is just as diverse as the number of drugs available for use. While looking into the disadvantages and of the PEDs, it would be important to note that some of them do have positive effects that and have been used positively in some quarters. In order to gain insight into this discussion in the best way possible, it is essential that we look into some of the commonly used drugs for performance enhancing. Anabolic Steroids Anabolic steroids, for instance are said to increase protein synthesis. Gaining of muscles is an activity associated with continuous practice in sports such as weight lifting where the conversion of these proteins is taken and converted through various body mechanisms. Steroids can help the body convert 50% more protein into muscle mass due to the increase in protein synthesis. As for the adverse effects, steroid are associated with an increase in blood lipids; They are also said to cause a dysfunction in the lining of blood vessels that can lead these vessels to constrict and/or clot thus increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Legally Anabolic steroids are availed under prescription their use for reasons other than treatment of diseases is prohibited. Organizations that have banned the use of anabolic steroids include International Olympic Committee (IOC), the NCAA, the NFL and the NBA. Creatine This drug is common with athletes for its ability to fasten the process of the replenishment tine during recovery from exercise. It also lessens the accumulation of acid in muscle that often occurs during short duration/high intensity exercise, a mechanisms that is known to cause delay in the onset of muscle fatigue. Taking of creatine is associated with weight gain that may be as much as 1.6-2.4 kg. In a situation where speed is the main parameter for competition, this becomes a counterproductive effect since an athlete needs to be in the best weight to be at an advantage. It is also associated with especially if adequate water is not consumed during supplementation. In some cases, it causes stomach discomforts and muscle cramps. Although it is a legal drug, some associations such as the American College of Sports Medicine have recommended that it is not used by athletes under the age of 18. Androstenedione One of the historical perspectives that gave this drug some level popularity is the admission of its use by Major League baseball player Mark McGuire in his 1998 chase of Roger Maris’s single-season home run record. Interestingly, there has not been any study showing a significant performance-enhancing effect with andro supplementation. Nonetheless, it has been found that it causes a significant change in estrogen levels, in male individuals, which is quite often associated with a poor performance (Shermer, 2008). The drug is largely sold as a supplement that can raise testosterone levels in the blood thus providing a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. This drug is said to decrease cholesterol levels and interferes with the natural production of testosterone in the body. It is also feared that, impurities during production can easily introduce illegal substances thus placing athletes on a risky edge for testing positive for a banned substance. The drug was designated as a controlled substance that should only be availed on prescription. Most major sporting leagues including the Olympics have banned the use the drug. It may be said that the most highlighted effects of doping have looked into the legal perspective, failing greatly to discuss the effects on the health of the employee. In other words, the public has come to know more of these cases when an athlete is greatly fined or loses major contracts out of their habit. The focus on the health of the athlete has been mainly in cases where it has led to death. Examples of Athletes caught up in doping cases. Several athletes have found themselves faced with difficult circumstances after being caught in doping acts. In 2007, the American athlete Marion Jones was stripped off five medals after she admitted to using performance enhancing drugs. She surrendered all prizes and medals she had won since the Summer Olympics of 2000 the period when she is said to have started using steroids. France 400 m hurdles athlete Naman Keïta was caught for using testosterone before the World Athletics Championship in Osaka 2007 The English footballer Daniel Leon "Danny" Cadamarteri has found himself on the won side of the law several times for use various enhancing substances and particularly. In 2001, he was charged for assault and fined £2,000. Qatar national Musa Amer Obaid (Moses Kiprui , in Kenya) tested positive to a testorene in 2006 out-of-competition test Morocco. He was suspended by the IAAF from September 2006 to September 2008. Nigerian born Spanish track and field athlete Josephine Onyia Nnkiruka was suspended for two years and her recent past results were annulled, when she tested positive she tested positive for methylhexaneamine clenbuterol . American basketball player Chris Andersen (Birdman) was banned for two years by from the NBA in 2006 for violating the league's drug policy. He was reinstated in 2008 but re-signed by the Hornets the next day. Players and Teams penalized for Doping One of the most famous cases concerning doping is the lifetime ban on Lance Edward Armstrong from cycling. The seven times consecutive winner of the Tour de France (between 1999 and 2005) was penalized for using and distributing performance-enhancing drugs leading to lifetime ban from professional cycling. Cycling has over the years seen accusations of doping acts and several participants have been caught One of the first stiffer penalties to be imposed fell on Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who was stripped of his gold medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea after testing positive for stanozolol. He made that the banned product was put in his herbal drink without his consent. However, officials could not take this plea and he was suspended from competition for two years. Johnson was later banned for life when another test conducted in 1993 turned positive. The continuous domination of East German women on international swimming that had spanned close to two decades was found to have been depended on organized system of anabolic-steroid use. This was asserted by a group of 20 former East German coaches confirmed in 1991. Recent studies have also convincingly found that this act was supported by senior sports administrators of the now-dissolved Communist state who included performance-enhancing drugs in their training programs for the country's elite athletes. Consequences of Doping in sport One of the most obvious effects of doping is that it gives an athlete unfair advantage over their rivals. In as much as each competitor is endowed differently, there is need to level the playing ground since every competitor is in the game to win. After a long time use of drugs, athletes may develop an addiction that would ultimately throw them out of competitions. Doping is more or less like any other drug habit and therefore comes with the constraints such as mania, withdraw and mood swings. It may also alter their natural physical appearances thereby changing their ultimate completion advantage. Female Users may also develop overriding male characteristics such development of hair and growth of breasts for male athletes. Research has indicated that there are chances of having miscarriages for prolonged users. Some athletes have experienced still births while others lost their children before full pregnancy period as a result of over use of performance enhancing drugs (WADA, 2008). One study revealed that among the 69 children of the doping athletes who survived, several of them had varying lengths of physical handicap. These include skin diseases, asthma, allergies, crippled arms, legs, feet and many had metabolic problems. Mothers who dope, the study observed had higher chances of giving birth to handicapped children than father who used to dope even though if either the father or the mother was a doper, the child would most probably have handicaps. Solutions to doping Attempts have to stop doping have been made through various mechanisms. The most common method is tightening of the laws that govern the use of drugs in sport. This has seen the rise of various anti-doping agents throughout the world, attempting to implement various polices. However, regardless of the stiff penalties, the vice still continues, assuming various shapes every day. Perhaps one of the solutions to doping would be educating athletes on long term and short term effects of their use, more so in relation to their health. This process should be undertaken at an early age so that the athlete can make a choice when they are old enough. These lessons should include enlightenment on penalties and all other consequences related to doping. Anti doping Labs in Qatar. In Qatar, the most popular organization relating to doping is the Anti-Doping Lab Qatar(ADLQ).The lab the first and only specialized organization of its kind providing Anti-Doping Services as well as Research opportunities in the Middle East and West Asia, has strong and valuable collaboration with London Anti-Doping Laboratory. Awareness To a large extent, individuals are aware of various facets of doping which include how to access the drugs and the effects, as well as legal issues associated with it. Various Organizations, such as the Anti-Doping Qatar Lab have also included creating awareness on doping into their portfolio. This is expected to go a long way in enlightening both the general public and the athletics fraternity on various matters regarding doping in general Conclusion From this analysis, it is evident that matters relating to doping take a broad spectrum and must be addressed from all the perspectives. The development of new drugs that has been brought about by advancement in technology also presents new challenges that authorities must look into. However, it is more or less the responsibility of the individual to choose whether or not to anticipate in the act, having been made aware of the possible consequences. It will also take individual efforts to create awareness. References Bookrags Authorities, (2006). Drugs and Sports Research: Introduction. Retrieved Nov 20th 2012, from http://www.bookrags.com/researchtopics/drugsand-sports-os/ Freeman, A.,(2004). The dope on steroids: Why some athletes take the risk. Retrieved Nov 20th 2012, from University of Minnesota Web site: Grucza, R., (2006,). HISTORY OF DOPING. Retrieved Nov 20th 2012, from http://www.wadaamaorg/rtecontent/document/Athens_Grucza.pdf Shermer, Michael (2008). The Doping Dilemma - Game Theory Helps to Explain the Pervasive Abuse of Drugs in Cycling, Baseball and Other Sports. Retrieved Nov 20th 2012, from Sirs Researcher Web site: http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SXX75345-0- 839&artno=0000275259&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=doping%20AND %20sports&title=The%20Doping%20Dilemma&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=Y&ic=N WADA Authorities, (2008). Mission & Priorities. Retrieved Nov 20th 2012, from Anti-Doping Agency Web site: http://www.wada-ama.org/en/dynamic.ch2? pageCategory.id=255 Read More

Still then, the question of what standards or principles of sportsmanship are acceptable where and by who arise. However, the aspect that the act includes a violation of some standards becomes an important aspect that puts some standard to the definition. This, to some extent is in line with the definition put forth by the World Anti Doping Association that defined doping as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations Reasons/Causes for Doping From a primary perspective, it is unarguable that the core reason why athletes engage in this act is to enhance their performance at any given competition in a manner that leads them to win.

While looking at this discussion, we may look into this observation: What is the difference between the athlete who stops eating pies and the athlete who starts taking steroids? The common denominator is that they are both altering their diets in the interests of good performance. Regardless of where you stand, as competitors or spectators, the interest is to witness glorious, exceptional, superlative physical performances done by human beings, not any other natural or artificial creature. Under such demands, the humans tasked with the role of ensuring that their performance is thrilling to the cheerful crowd could easily be tempted to ue unconventional methods of doing this.

In addition athletes may have the believe that that doping may contribute in extending their careers or assist in the process of recovery after performance. Some other attitudes could be that doping will take the athletes to the next level and increase earning potential. In basic terms, it’s all about gaining advantage over their adversaries. After all, the overall measure is gauged in terms of how well or poorly an individual performs. Disadvantages of Using the Doping In Sport and How It Affects the Athletes The effects of performance enhancing drugs, is just as diverse as the number of drugs available for use.

While looking into the disadvantages and of the PEDs, it would be important to note that some of them do have positive effects that and have been used positively in some quarters. In order to gain insight into this discussion in the best way possible, it is essential that we look into some of the commonly used drugs for performance enhancing. Anabolic Steroids Anabolic steroids, for instance are said to increase protein synthesis. Gaining of muscles is an activity associated with continuous practice in sports such as weight lifting where the conversion of these proteins is taken and converted through various body mechanisms.

Steroids can help the body convert 50% more protein into muscle mass due to the increase in protein synthesis. As for the adverse effects, steroid are associated with an increase in blood lipids; They are also said to cause a dysfunction in the lining of blood vessels that can lead these vessels to constrict and/or clot thus increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Legally Anabolic steroids are availed under prescription their use for reasons other than treatment of diseases is prohibited.

Organizations that have banned the use of anabolic steroids include International Olympic Committee (IOC), the NCAA, the NFL and the NBA. Creatine This drug is common with athletes for its ability to fasten the process of the replenishment tine during recovery from exercise. It also lessens the accumulation of acid in muscle that often occurs during short duration/high intensity exercise, a mechanisms that is known to cause delay in the onset of muscle fatigue. Taking of creatine is associated with weight gain that may be as much as 1.6-2.4 kg.

In a situation where speed is the main parameter for competition, this becomes a counterproductive effect since an athlete needs to be in the best weight to be at an advantage. It is also associated with especially if adequate water is not consumed during supplementation. In some cases, it causes stomach discomforts and muscle cramps. Although it is a legal drug, some associations such as the American College of Sports Medicine have recommended that it is not used by athletes under the age of 18.

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