Drugs in Sport

THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS DRUG AGENCY (ASDA)

In 1991 The Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) became the Statutory Body with the responsibility for Education, Research, Policy and Drug Testing with regard to Sport in Australia .

ASDA defines DOPING as the use of banned substances or methods that may enhance performance.

INADVERTENT DOPING refers to the taking of a medication to treat an illness without realising that it is a banned substance, resulting in a positive Drug Test.

When medication is prescribed by a doctor to treat a condition, and it is then the responsibility of the athlete to check with the doctor that alternative medication is not suitable and to let the responsible National Sporting organisation know.

The substances and methods below are banned because of either health, ethical or legal reasons.

They all have one thing in common: THEY ARE CHEATING.

BANNED SUBSTANCES AND METHODS

These are based on those of the International Olympic Committee, though some are added to this list by National Sporting Organisations.

RESTRICTED SUBSTANCESAlcoholMarijuanaLocal Anaesthetics (when injected, but OK in creams, sprays, eye and ear drops)Corticosteroids (OK as creams, ointments, eye drops, inhalants and localised injections)Beta Blockers Sedatives

STIMULANTS

These act on the Central nervous System to speed up parts of the brain and body.

Effects include an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and loss of co-ordination and balance.

They include:Ephedrine PseudoephedrinePhenylephrineAmphetamines ("Speed")Ecstasy Caffeine (in excess)

ANABOLIC AGENTS

These include Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and Non Steroidal Anabolic Agents.

Anabolic Androgenic Agents are artificial versions of the male hormone testosterone, and help to build muscle and may speed recovery from injury.

Short term side effects include acne, hair loss or unusual hair growth, mood changes ("'Roid Rage") , deepening of the voice, shrinking of the testicles in males and changes in menstruation in women.

Examples are:Nandrolone (Durabolin)Boldenone (Depobol)Equine (horse) Steroids

Non Steroidal Anabolic Agents are commonly found in Asthma Medication,and are both anabolic and stimulant when taken in oral (but not inhaled) form.

All are banned except for Salbutamol (Ventolin, Respolin)Terbutaline (Bricanyl)

DIURETICS

These help the body lose water and salt, and can be used for weight loss and to make the urine weak to dilute other drugs.

Side effects include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, musclecramp, fainting, dizziness, nausea, loss of co-ordination and balance, abnormal heart rhythm and cardiac arrest.

Examples are:Frusemide (Lasix)Spironolactone (Aldactone)

NARCOTIC ANALGESICS

Narcotics decrease the perception of pain, but do not affect the cause of the pain, allowing the athlete to risk further injury.

Side effects include loss of co-ordination and balance, sleepiness, decreased blood pressure and body temperature, loss of concentration, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, respiratory slowing and respiratory arrest.

Examples are:MorphinePethidineHeroinNaloxone (Narcan)MethadoneDetropopoxyphene (Digesic)Dextromoramide (Palfium)