Doping is ... What is doping in sport?

In many sports today, doping is used: track and field athletics, ski races are an example. A lot of athletes were deprived of medals and titles, when in their body foreign substances were discovered, helping in obtaining the maximum result in the competitions. With regard to the use of doping in the competition, there have been and will be a huge number of questions and scientific doubts. Actually, it is worth investigating what doping is, why it is used and what it leads to.

Scientific concept

Doping is a natural, synthetic and narcotic substance that can improve the performance of the athlete's body. Also, this term means substances that can stimulate the synthesis of proteins after exposure to muscle mass of an external force. It should be immediately said that during the competition athletes are prohibited from taking certain medicines.

First use

The history of these drugs dates back roughly to the beginning of the XX century. Doping in sport began to be used by American equestrians and horse trainers, who injected subcutaneously the animals with the necessary substances.

The first information about the use of doping appeared since 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 this moment and formed doping control. Only at first it was not as active as it is today.

Types and groups of doping additives

Naturally, certain substances exert their influence on the human body. Some medicines are pain relievers, while others increase the athlete's physical data, increase strength, endurance. In addition, doping is not only a stimulator of human capabilities during competitions, 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 forbidden for use during the competition and during training:

• Anabolic steroid. In the people these substances have received the name of anabolics. This type of doping is formed from the male hormone testosterone. Probably, many people know that in sport testosterone is of great importance in obtaining the necessary results. Anabolic steroids help in building muscle mass, assimilating protein and developing the male physique. But their hormonal nature makes itself felt. These drugs have on the human body, taking them, androgenic effect.

• Peptide hormones (or, as they are also called, peptides), growth factors. Growth hormone, insulin and erythropoietin are substances that are prohibited for use by athletes because they help them to gain muscle growth and reduce the fat layer (growth hormone), as well as increase the production of erythrocytes (erythropoietin).
• Diuretic substances. The scientific name for these drugs is diuretics. There are three main reasons why diuretics are used in sports . Firstly, this is a rapid decrease in the weight of a person. Secondly, giving the athlete a more beautiful muscular appearance. Thirdly, diuretics help to excrete other auxiliary drugs from the body and thus conceal the use of prohibited substances.
• Beta-2 agonists. They increase the volume of muscles, promote their recovery, prevent the loss of muscle mass with age.

Drugs that are prohibited only during direct competitions:

• Narcotic pain medications (eg, methadone, morphine, fentanyl). The name itself indicates that these substances are used to reduce sensitivity to pain.
• Stimulants. First of all, the drugs of this group act on the central nervous system. It is worth noting one important fact: many stimulants are part of anti-cold and antiviral drugs. Proceeding from this, the athlete should read the composition before using a seemingly simple medicine for a cold . If the drug does not include prohibited substances, then it can be used during treatment.
• Glucocorticosteroids. Athletes use them to feel a surge of strength and reduce pain.

Combating doping supplements

As it was already said, 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 for good. After all, at almost every competition, experts check athletes for the presence of banned substances in the blood. The prizewinners are always checked, and the rest are chosen.

If in the body of a sportsman illegal preparations have been found, then a person is disqualified for a certain period of time. For the first time - for 2 years, and with the repeated assumption of this error - from 4 years and forever.

Sports fans have often heard of scandals caused by the use of prohibited substances. In the past year, they have repeatedly lit biathlon. Doping used athletes of the Russian team, for which they were disqualified.

Harmful effect on the athlete's body

Doping is not only helping to increase sports results and successes, but also the physical data of a person, but also the cause of many problems. The use of additives in most cases does not pass without a trace. Such interference in the human body leads to negative consequences, and the athlete pays for the achievements of his health. As an example, you can take erythropoietin, which was mentioned earlier. With a high erythrocyte formation, the blood can become thick, which leads to blood clots in the vessels and veins. In this case, you can not do without problems (also you must not forget about the lethal outcome).

Conclusion

Concluding the discussion of the use of doping substances, it is worth saying a few words that recently there has been a tendency to reduce their use and healthy approach to sport through doping control, various anti-doping programs for prevention. Many people in the world of sports say dope "No". 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.