As much as any athlete would want to be invincible, they would have to accept the fact that they have limitations, especially where their body is concerned. Which is why some of them uses performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) to overcome such limitations. Unfortunately, doping is a hot topic in the athletic world, and many athletes have been stripped of their titles because of it. This only shows that it has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
List Of Pros Of Performance Enhancing Drugs
1. Improve physical abilities
They’re not called performance enhancing drugs for no reason. The short term boost that steroids provide give athletes the ability to push themselves further, which is probably why they don’t mind the possible long term effects of the drugs to their body.
2. Provide health benefits
Generally designed to promote health, performance enhancing drugs do have positive effects. Steroids, for instance, can reduce inflammation caused by allergies or certain sickness. The operative word, however, is certain, because the health benefits of steroids only work in certain situations.
List Of Cons Of Performance Enhancing Drugs
1. Result in health problems
Like most drugs, steroids and other forms of PEDs also have side effects. Used for a long period or when abused, PED can result in increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, mood swings, hypertension, aggressive behavior, irregular heartbeat and other heart problems. This is probably because of some of its content, which all have pros and cons. Stimulants, for example, stimulate overall mental alertness and increase competitive response. But it can also lead to addiction, brain hemorrhage, and heart attack, among others. Beta-blockers, on the other hand, will reduce muscle tremors, but can reduce performance abilities as it can cause fatigue, reduced heart rate and sleep disturbances.
2. Long-term negative health effects
Apart from health problems that may be fatal, PED can also result in reduced athletic ability. What it gives in short term, it will take away in the long term. That burst of energy and power can lead to depression that may not go away. The level of athletic performance that will be diminished depends on the kind of drug used.
3. Gives unfair advantage
Athletes on PED are likely to perform better than those without, even if it is just for a burst of time. Proponents argue, however, that steroids are no different from training regimen or coaches that ensure an athlete has an edge over his competition. It is also no different from scientifically based special diet, training programs, or other forms of intervention.
4. The element of coercion
Even if athletes are not told or forced to take PEDs, the need to be at par with other athletes often forces them to take steroids, especially because they are available. This can also lead in athletes relying solely on PED that they end up slacking off during training.
To dope or not to dope that is the question. In the case of PED use, it is best to look at the long-term side effects and not just the short-term offer of improved abilities. What is the point of being a celebrated athlete at the expense of your health?