Olympics and Substance Abuse
The Rio de Janeiro Olympics is undeniably the greatest spectacle on earth for which the world had been waiting with bated breath for four years. This year, the event is grander with a record participation of countries in a record number of sports. However, despite all the challenges in the run-up to the biggest sports extravaganza, Brazil ensured that the arrangements were world-class.
Along with the expectations, come the challenges and difficulties in hosting and managing such a major event. It takes assiduous efforts and missionary zeal on the part of the hosts to make it a success. But, despite adequate measures being taken by every host country in the past, the Olympics has never been free from controversies. Each event in the past had seen a spate of irregularities that somewhat blemished the success at the end.
One of the major pain points remains the involvement of sportspersons in illicit drug use. Apart from a range of performance-enhancing drugs, the athletes have also been found to be involved in abusing addictive and harmful drugs, like cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs, meth, etc.
To address the growing problem of doping in the sports world, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in 1999. The agency banned an array of drugs for sportspersons. According to the WADA, the banned substances and techniques can be clubbed as androgens, peptide hormones, blood doping, stimulants, narcotics, diuretics, and cannabinoids. Alcohol is also banned in certain sports during the actual competition.
Some popular drugs with Olympians over the years
Many sportspersons have been stripped of their medals after being found doping or using performance-enhancing drugs during the competition. Following are some of the most commonly abused substances by the participants in Olympics:
Anabolic steroids: This performance-enhancing drug made headlines when during the 1988 Seoul Olympics famous sprinter Ben Johnson was accused of using it. The incident resulted in withdrawal of his medals. Anabolic steroids can boost performance by increasing the strength and muscle mass.
Stimulants: These are popular among sportspersons because their effects include symptoms like less fatigue, less appetite, better endurance and an increase in aggressiveness and alertness. All these attributes help a sportsman get an edge over the rest.
Human growth hormone: This hormone produces an anabolic effect and improves athletic performance. This is a prescription drug and is legally available only on doctor’s advice. Using it in ways other than prescribed by the doctor is tantamount to illegal drug use. It is usually referred to as HGH.
Creatine: Use of this drug results in gushes of energy in quick bursts, which help the athlete in gaining the upper hand over the competitors. It is mostly popular among people in aerobic sports.
Doping more prevalent during summer Olympics than winter Olympics
It has been observed that there are more instances of doping during summer Olympics than winter Olympics, both quadrennial events. The highest number of WADA guidelines violations was recorded during the 2004 Olympics, with as many 26 doping cases being reported. Weightlifting is the most blemished sport, with 36 violations being reported between 1968 and 2010.
Prescription drug abuse is a teething problem the world is grappling with at the moment, especially in the United States. But no addiction is different. Whether it is abuse of prescription drugs or any other substance, addiction is a global malady.
A chronic addiction always entails severe withdrawal symptoms and treatment becomes a bit harsher for the patient. Hence, it is advisable to go for detox at the earliest. If a loved one is addicted to any substance and you are looking for prescription drug abuse treatment centers in Colorado, contact the Colorado Prescription Abuse Helpline for immediate response. You may call at our 24/7 helpline number 866–922–5915 to connect to the best prescription drug abuse rehab in Colorado.
