Download Alex W explores the effects of doping on the body

Doping: What does it do to you?
Doping has become a major problem in sport over the last few years with many
athletes using performance-enhancing drugs to help them win a race or match. But
do they really know what it does to their bodies?
The main problem is that when they are bought without a prescription they are often
illegal which means they could have impurities which can cause serious harm and in
severe cases, death. If a drug has too much of a certain substance in it, it can do real
damage to the body.
Another effect of doping is that an athlete can become addicted to the drug and
depend on it. If an athlete becomes ‘hooked’ on a drug after they retire, they may
not do any damage to their body during their career, but it can cause damage
because the drug is not being used for enhanced performance so can cause serious
problems or death. It can cause psychological problems and physical problems which
can be life-threatening.
Anabolic Agent is one kind of doping drug which is injected into the median cubital
vein with a needle. They mimic the effects of testosterone which can cause the user
to grow body hair and their vocal cords to grow. Possible side effects of taking the
drug include an increased risk of serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, liver
disease and high blood pressure. They can also cause stunting of growth and
premature puberty.
Another example is stimulants which affect the central nervous system and are
incredibly addictive. They also cause life-threatening diseases like cardiac arrests,
strokes and arrhythmia.