Why Do People Take Performance-Enhancing Drugs?

There are many different types of performance-enhancing drugs, including synthetic erythropoeitin (EPO), anabolic steroids and drugs used in blood doping. Although performance-enhancing drugs are commonly associated with athletes, they are often used in non-athletic situations for a variety of reasons.

Steroids & Growth Hormones

Anabolic steroids and human growth hormones contain the male sexual hormone testosterone, which aids in skeletal muscle growth and reduces fatigue. Athletes using human growth hormones often find the effect of sleeping at high altitude is simulated by the drug.

Reduced Fatigue

Performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids are believed to reduce rest times between training sessions and competitions. The extra training completed with less recovery time allows the athlete to gain extra strength and endurance.

Athletes

The majority of performance-enhancing drug users are usually body builders and athletes looking to gain a competitive advantage and improved physical performance.

Professional Use

Performance-enhancing drugs are often used in occupations other than professional sports. Professions requiring physical strength include law enforcement officers, body guards and construction workers.

Non-Athletic Use

Performance-enhancing drugs also have used for purely cosmetic reasons, such as increasing muscle size and reducing body fat.

References

• Performance Enhancing Drugs In Sport
• Steroid Information
• Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse