IndexIntroductionBrief history of PEDFactors of the use of performance-enhancing drugsEffects of the use of performance-enhancing drugsCurrent trendConclusionIntroductionThe use of performance-enhancing drugs ( PED), more commonly known as "doping", continues to have a scandalous effect throughout sporting communities. Doping is known to cause serious health problems for consumers, such as abnormal growth, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, hypertension, blood cancers and arthritis. It also creates inequality in competition, as the consumer is given an unfair advantage over others. Finally, illegal activities such as doping tarnish the reputation of sport in general and drastically diminish the reputation of athletes. Therefore, we can safely assume that performance-enhancing drugs are harmful not only to sports communities, but to all other communities in contemporary society. However, to fully understand the current issue, we must be informed about the historical perspectives on this issue, what factors are influencing the issue, the impacts the issue has in sports, the ethical implications this issue has, and what future prospects this topic will offer. .Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayBrief History of PED In 1896, the first modern Olympics took place in Athens, Greece, with 280 participants and 12 nations each competing in 43 events. This was the historical milestone where the concept of doping was introduced. All competitive athletes have a strong desire to win by any means necessary, this would include the use of performance enhancing substances to “gain a competitive advantage”. Large numbers of people were obsessed with having the ideal athletic body and used what were called image-enhancing substances. Image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) were consumed legally; Throughout history, people have consumed potions and medicines that dramatically improved an individual's performance on normal tasks, without recognizing the unprecedented side effects on the individual. Additionally, during the 1960s, British cyclists Knut Jensen and Tommy Simpson died from overdoses of amphetamine-like substances later revealed at autopsy. In 1967, the International Olympic Committee established a Medical and Scientific Commission to investigate doping in sports, where the problem of consumption of performance-enhancing substances became more widespread. After the investigation, doping was officially banned from all Olympic sports and competitions. Drivers of PED Use Despite the permanent ban on all performance-enhancing drugs in all sporting events, many athletes continue to consume these drugs for a variety of reasons. The first is represented by social pressures to doping; the more skilled and competent an athlete becomes, the more he is under pressure from external and internal influences that promote doping. International athletes (for example) are constantly under pressure to be proud representatives of their home country. Athletes occasionally evoke this “win at all costs” mentality, otherwise they are presented as a major disappointment to all who believe in them, including coaches, family, and the public. Another reason athletes capitulate to doping pressures is to earn more money. If an athlete performs exceptionally well in their chosen sport, they will receive more financial opportunities such as sponsorships. TheSponsorships are a major source of income for athletes, therefore, the more sponsorships they earn, the more revenue they will generate by making companies promote the athlete's image universally. Effects of using performance-enhancing drugs There are various performance-enhancing drugs that are available on the pharmaceutical market, such as anabolic agents, human growth hormones (HGH), peptide hormones, erythropoietin (EPO), stimulants and opioids, which provide all an increase in red blood cells, oxygen levels and muscle growth. Although these effects are temporary, the side effects that follow have a permanent impact on the individual. Drugs affect various organs in the body, depending on the type of drug. Blood doping (for example) is designed to increase the mass of red blood cells, allowing the body to transport more oxygen to the muscles, improving the individual's endurance. Unfortunately, blood doping places enormous strain on the heart in the process, which makes the individual prone to heart disease, stroke, and cerebral or pulmonary embolism. The everlasting effects of doping not only compromise an athlete's physical health, but also damage their reputation. On average, only 1-2% of athletes are caught doping as illegal substances are traced back to the individual, however, a small percentage of unlucky athletes are at risk of a lifetime ban, depending on the severity of the happened. offense. A single violation of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code can result in a ban from all sports for up to two years. Finally, the reputation of sport in general suffers. The more frequent illegal activity is in a sport, the more respectable the sport becomes due to an ugly stigma. Consuming performance-enhancing drugs allows an athlete to have a significant advantage over various other athletes. Since the early 1960s, when the first fatalities caused by doping occurred, doping has been permanently banned from all sporting competitions, which makes doping an unfair and illegal practice, as it creates disparities in athletic performance. Lance Armstrong, arguably the most famous and iconic cyclist in cycling history, is known for his repeated blood doping scandals. He had won seven consecutive races at the Tour De France, from 1999 to 2005, where his stunning performances often led to speculation that he had used performance-enhancing drugs throughout his professional career. In July 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) accused Armstrong of doping, following testimony from Armstrong's former teammates and the collection of blood samples in the final stages of his life. Three months later, USADA confirmed that Armstrong will be banned from all sports that follow the WADA code, as well as stripping him of all his previous successes. The Lance Armstrong doping case serves as an example to all athletes who think about doping; what consequences await them. Being stripped of your major life accomplishments and having a lifetime ban placed on you is just enough to derail an athlete's entire professional career in sports. Current trend It is important to understand that doping will be a recurring problem in sport that needs to be constantly addressed and implement possible strategies to solve the problem. In 2004, WADA established a document known as the World Anti-Doping Code. This code highlights anti-doping regulations across all sports and countries. The code is continually updated as new ideas emerge and ultimately shape future rules, regulations and policies. This allows sports communities to remain at.