In many sports, doping is used today: athletics, cross-country skiing are an example. A lot of athletes lost their medals and titles when foreign substances were found in their bodies that help in obtaining the maximum result in competitions. Regarding the use of doping in competitions, there has been, will be a huge number of questions and scientific doubts. Actually, it is worthwhile to understand what doping is, why it is used and what it leads to.
Scientific concept
Doping is natural, synthetic and narcotic substances that can improve the athlete's body. Also, this concept refers to substances that can stimulate protein synthesis after exposure to muscle mass of external force. It is worth saying right away that during the competition, athletes are forbidden to take certain medications.
First use
The history of these drugs dates back approximately to the beginning of the 20th century. American riders and horse trainers, who subcutaneously injected the necessary substances with animals, began to use doping in sports.
The first information about the use of doping appeared in 1903. It was from that time that the race society began its struggle against the use of any auxiliary substances. It turns out that from that moment on, doping control was formed. Only at first, he was not as active as he is today.
Types and groups of doping additives
Naturally, certain substances exert their influence on the human body. Some drugs are painkillers, while others increase the athlete's physical data, increase strength, endurance. In addition, doping is not only a stimulant of human capabilities during the competition, but also an assistant in training. Based on these signs, doping in sports began to be divided into certain groups.
The following types of doping are prohibited for use both during the competition and during training:
- Anabolic steroid. In the people, these substances are called anabolics. This type of doping is derived from the male hormone testosterone. Probably, many people know that in sports, testosterone is of great importance in obtaining the necessary results. Anabolic steroids help in building muscle mass, digesting protein and developing a male physique. But their hormonal nature makes itself felt. These drugs have an androgenic effect on the body of the person taking them.
- Peptide hormones (or, as they are also called, peptides), growth factors. Growth hormone, insulin and erythropoietin are substances prohibited for use by athletes, since they help them to increase muscle growth and reduce the fat layer (growth hormone), as well as increase the production of red blood cells (erythropoietin).
- Diuretic substances. The scientific name for these products is diuretics. There are three main reasons why diuretics are used in sports . Firstly, this is a rapid reduction in human weight. Secondly, giving the athlete's body a more beautiful muscular appearance. Thirdly, diuretics will help to remove other auxiliary drugs from the body and thus hide the use of prohibited substances.
- Beta-2 agonists. They increase muscle volume, contribute to their recovery, prevent muscle loss with age.
Drugs prohibited only during direct competitions:
- Narcotic pain medications (e.g. methadone, morphine, fentanyl). The name itself suggests that these substances are used to reduce sensitivity to pain.
- Stimulants. First of all, drugs of this group act on the central nervous system. It is worth noting immediately one important fact: many stimulants are part of cold and antiviral drugs. Based on this, an athlete before using a seemingly simple cold medicine should read the composition. If the drug does not include prohibited products, then you can use it during treatment.
- Glucocorticosteroids. Athletes use them to feel a surge of strength and reduce pain.
Fight against doping additives
As previously mentioned, at the moment there is an active struggle against the use of various drugs that help to increase sports opportunities. Doping is the danger of leaving the sport for a short time, or even forever. Indeed, in almost every competition, experts check athletes for the presence of prohibited substances in the blood. Winners are always checked, and the rest are chosen.
If prohibited preparations were found in the athlete's body, then a person is disqualified for a certain time. For the first time - for 2 years, and with the repeated admission of this mistake - from 4 years and forever.
Sports fans have repeatedly heard about scandals caused by the use of prohibited substances. In the past year, biathlon has appeared on them more than once. Doping was used by athletes of the Russian national team, for which they were disqualified.
Harmful effects on the athlete's body
Doping is not only help in increasing athletic performance and success, as well as the physical characteristics of a person, but also the cause of many problems. The use of supplements in most cases does not pass without a trace. Such an intervention in the human body leads to negative consequences, and the athlete pays for the achievements of his health. As an example, we can take the erythropoietin, which was previously mentioned. With a high formation of red blood cells, the blood can become thick, which leads to the formation of blood clots in blood vessels and veins. In this case, you can’t do without problems (we must also not forget the lethal outcome).
Conclusion
Concluding the discussion of the use of doping substances, it is worth saying a few words about the recent trend towards a decrease in their use and a healthy approach to sports due to doping control and various anti-doping prevention programs. Many people in the sports world say no to doping. Take, for example, the biathlon mentioned above. Doping in this sport, according to the president of the Russian Biathlon Union, will never be used again.