Download DRUG ABUSE IN SPORT

DRUG ABUSE IN SPORT
Definition of doping – the administration to, or the use by a competing athlete of
any substance foreign to the body, or any physiological substance taken in
abnormal route of entry into the body, with the sole intention of increasing in an
artificial and unfair manner his performance (N.Govindrajulu in Mohan et al)
Factors conducive for drug abuse
 Performance anxiety
 Over training/excessive demands on athlete
 Athletic injury
 Psychological stress
Causes of Psychological stress in sport
 Overemphasis on winning
 Age-inappropriate expectations
 Excessive criticism
 Inappropriate reinforcement
 Rejection (perceived/actual)
 Disapproval of performance ability
Signs of psychological stress and burnout
 Abnormal sleep and wakeful patterns
 Irritability
 Tension
 Lack of energy
 Depression
 Frequent illness
 Lack ok interest
 Absenteeism
Commonly abused drugs
1. Anabolic steroids – resemble testosterone, which is responsible for
controlling the rates of build up and breakdown of the main biochemical
components of all tissues including muscle. They essentially help athletes
build up muscle size and strength. They are also believed to reduce body
fat and recovery time after injury. Egs – androstenedione and nandrolone
Health risks
 High BP
 Acne
 Affects liver functioning
 Menstrual cycle alterations
 Decline in sperm production (erectile dysfunction)
 Kidney failure
 Heart disease
 Increased aggression
2. Human growth hormone – increases red blood cells, boosts heart
functioning, and makes more energy available by aiding in the breakdown
of fat.
Health risks
 Abnormal growth (e.g. giantism in adolescents)
 Heart failure
 Diabetes
3. Erythropoietin (EPO) –increases concentration of red blood cells and aerobic
activity.
Health risks
 Excess red blood cells which leads to blood clotting, heart attack and
stroke
4. Stimulants (e.g. amphetamines, cocaine and caffeine) – they activate the
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), increases cardiac output, stimulation of the
psychological arousal mechanism in the brain. They also increase alertness etc.
5. Alcohol – removes inhibition. Has a negative impact on psychomotor skills
including reaction time, eye-hand co-ordination, accuracy, balance and complex
co-ordination.
General effects of drugs
a) Psychological dependance – overeliance to achieve a certain psychological
state, mood or cognitive pattern. Individual believes they cannot operate
without ingesting the drug and go to indescribable lengths to obtain it.
b) Physical dependance – the body’s tissues depend on a drug for optimum
functioning. Without it the athlete will experience withdrawal symptoms
eg:
 Body pain
 Aggression/agitation
 Delirium tremens
Intervention
1. Inform players about drug abuse and drug policies
a) Communicate on individual basis and through local media (pamphlets)
about drugs and available policy, effects etc
b) Players should be empowered about legal issues
c) Drug testing – should be mandatory
2. Signs of drug abuse
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Inflamed and red eyes
Yawning
Disturbed sleep and wakefulness patterns
Absenteeism
Overreaction
Abnormal behavior
3. Effective intervention
i. Establish personal relationship with the athlete
ii. Encourage them to establish help seeking
iii. Interview should be at player’s convenience in terms of
time, venue, privacy and comfort
iv.
In joining be friendly to the player
v. Refer to problem as belonging to ‘us’ and not specifically to
the player
vi.
Unless the player brings it up, do not mention drugs
vii.
Assure them of confidentiality
Thereafter, normal counseling procedures are followed.
4. Reintegration of athlete
i. Provide constant feedback on performance in terms of reinforcement
ii. Make considerations about public comments
iii. Make a programme to continue close monitoring
iv. Be prepared to offer personal support whenever it is called for.