Winning at all Cost
of performance-enhancing drugs, in an attempt to enhance sporting performance, is often referred to as doping. It is thought that the word ‘dope’ originated from the South African language. Dope referred to a primitive alcoholic drink that was used as a stimulant in ceremonial dances. Gradually, the term adopted a wider usage and in reference to sport, it became known as ‘doping’. In today’s sporting context, doping refers to the use by athletes of banned substances or methods that may enhance performance (Poison Control).
Anabolic/androgenic steroids are by far the performance-enhancing drugs most used by football players, and it has been around for quite a while; first in the military usage and later on in the civil usage. Anabolic/androgenic steroids were first used in World War II. Anabolic steroids were reportedly given to Hitler’s troops to increase their aggression. The illegal use of drugs to enhance athletic ability had been made since the 1950’s. The Russian athletes were the first to use anabolic/androgenic steroids in official competitions and in 1960’s Olympics Games, for the first time, The IOC (International Olympic Committee) detected a case of doping, when a cyclist using amphetamine collapse and died during a race(Sports Medicine). The list of athletes that have died from the consumption of steroids is extensive, but out of the entire list I would like to point out Professional football star Lyle Alzado. Lyle Alzado suffered an agonizing brain cancer death as a result of years of steroid abuse. Mr. Alzado confessed the same year he died (1998) that he had been abusing of steroids since 1969. He admitted during his pain-racked final days, "It was addicting, mentally addicting. Now I'm sick, and I'm scared. Ninety per cent of the athletes I know are on the stuff. We're not born to be 300lbs or jump 30ft. But all the time I was taking steroids, I knew they were making me play better. I became very violent on the field and off it. I did things only crazy people do. Once a guy sideswiped my car and I beat the hell out of him. Now look at me. My hair's gone, I wobble when I walk and have to hold on to someone for support, and I have trouble remembering things. My last wish? That no one else ever dies this way." (Memorial to Lyle Alzado)
Why do athletes risk chronic debilitating diseases and death by taking steroids? These drugs have immediate results. You may have heard them called 'roids, juice, hype, or pump. Anabolic steroids are powerful drugs that many athletes take in high doses to boost their athletic performance. Anabolic means, "Building body tissue." Anabolic steroids help build muscle tissue and increase body mass by acting like the body's natural male hormone, testosterone. In a relatively short time, athletes would pack on pounds of muscle and increase strength dramatically. Weight training and using steroids maximizes their gains. There are two ways for Anabolic Steroids administration: Oral, in the form of pills, and injected with a needle. [next page]