Doping can be used to describe a wide range of subsances. It can be used to explain the act of engaging in narcotic substances, a product used to coat the fabric of a balloon, and even to describe soda in the south (dictionary.com). In relation to recreational sport, and for the purpose of this blog, doping is seen as “certain substances which could have the effect of improving artificially the athlete's physical and/or mental condition and so augmenting his athletic performance" (The New Straits Time Press, 1998, paragraph. 7). Today too many athletes partake in this type of doping and at all different levels of sport including: high school college, pro, and even The Olympics. The effect of this illegal activity can and does have serious negative consequences in relation to recreational sport and how these athletic are perceived at the youth level.
When an athlete partakes in doping it can affect the user as well as younger people that may look up to the user. There are many different drugs that can be taken that are considered doping. The most commonly associated drug when one thinks of dope, is marijuana. Marijuana can be used both as a stimulant and a depressant depending on how you are feeling and how your body reacts to the drug at the time of use. By knowing this, one can imagine the different effects it has on individual people and the physiological effects it has on our youth. As stated by Wikipedia, “If the user is inactive they may feel relaxed and sleepy, whereas if the user engages in physical or mental activity they may feel energized.” Thus, being under the influence of marijuana, while participating in recreational sport, can inhibit ones performance.
Another common type of doping in sports is the use of steroids. Steroids are used mostly at the professional level, but can also be seen in college and in high school. Participants will “juice” in order to achieve a greater physical level which can also boost ones confidence and mental state. By taking steroids the individual will gain muscle mass which can benefit their performance out on the field or court. Baseball players “juice” to hit home runs easier, footballs players take “roids” to tackle the opposition with more power, and professional boxers will use to knock out their opponent that much faster. However, by abusing regulated substances what message does this send to kids that look up to these professional athletes as role models and even as national idols?
From grade school, to high school, to college, young athletes all over the world look up to their elders as people they can idolize and maybe one day be as good as. When these athletes are doping they enhance their performance on the field illegitimately which consequently is unfair and hurts their credibility as players. Young athletes are under a lot of pressure from their peers, unrealistic expectations from family members, and personal achievement are looking for a way to get better and set themselves apart. They see these great and almighty athletes and think “hey so-and-so is playing this sport so well, he must know what he is doing and it's okay to take these performance enhancing substances.” They will then give into substance abuse. And whos to say the cycle won't continue?
It is necessary for the protection of the individual as well as for protecting the future of our youth to regulate and ban substances which give the user a competitive advantage. We have to protect the youth at an early age and test them for substance abuse regularly, this will be a step in the right direction to turn substance abuse from a socially acceptable means of achievement into a frowned upon, punishable offense.
