NCJ Number
124157
Editor(s)
D R Mottram
Date Published
1988
Length
169 pages
Annotation
This book explains the effects of all the major drug groups used or misused for performance enhancement in sports.
Abstract
An introduction provides a historical perspective on drug use in sports, followed by an overview of drugs and their effects. The introduction also discusses factors affecting drug effects, the use and misuse of drugs in sports, and procedures for drug testing in sports. Separate chapters describe drugs used in sports in terms of their pharmacological action, the therapeutic uses for which they are normally prescribed, and the adverse toxic effects associated with them. The drugs' effects on performance are assessed, whether or not they are classed as doping agents. The drugs discussed are sympathomimetic amines and their antagonists, anabolic steroids, drugs used to treat inflammation in sports injuries, central nervous system stimulants, and alcohol and anti-anxiety drugs. The concluding chapter advises that drug misuse to enhance athletic performance has negative psychological and physical effects on the athlete, without any guarantee that the drug will produce the desired sports victory. Some suggestions for countering the problem of drug misuse in sports pertain to improved testing procedures, collaboration among sports organizations internationally to ensure a uniform system of regulations and drug-testing procedures, additional drug research, and education on drug effects. Chapter references, subject index, glossary.