Table of contentsIntroductionBrief history of PEDFactors of the use of PEDEffects of the use of performance-enhancing drugsCurrent trendConclusionIntroductionPerformance-enhancing drug use (PED) , more commonly called “doping”, continues to cause scandal in all sporting communities. Doping is known to cause serious health problems in the user, such as abnormal growth, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, hypertension, blood cancers and arthritis. It also creates disparities in competition, as the consumer has an unfair advantage over others. Finally, illegal activities like doping tarnish the reputation of sport in general and significantly diminish the reputation of athletes. Therefore, we can assume that performance enhancing drugs are harmful not only to sporting communities, but to all other communities in contemporary society. However, to fully understand this current issue, we must be informed of the historical perspectives on this issue, the factors that influence the issue, the impacts that this issue has in sports, the ethical implications of this issue, and the future perspectives that this topic will offer. .Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayBrief History of PEDIn 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, bringing together 280 participants and 12 nations each competing in 43 events. . This is when the concept of doping was born. All competitive athletes have a strong desire to win by any means necessary, this includes the use of performance enhancing drugs to "gain a competitive advantage". A large number of people were obsessed with having an ideal athletic body and used what were called image-enhancing substances. Image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) were used legally; Throughout history, people have consumed potions and medications that dramatically improved an individual's performance in a normal task, without recognizing the unprecedented side effects on the individual. Additionally, in the 1960s, British cyclists Knut Jensen and Tommy Simpson died from an overdose of an amphetamine substance later revealed during their autopsy. In 1967, the International Olympic Committee established a medical and scientific commission to investigate doping in sports, where the problem of performance-enhancing drug use became more prevalent. After investigation, doping was then officially banned in all Olympic competitions and sports. Factors in PED UseDespite the ongoing ban on all performance-enhancing drugs in all sporting events, many athletes continue to use these drugs for a variety of reasons. The first being social pressures in favor of doping; The more skilled and competent an athlete becomes, the more pressure he or she comes under from external and internal influences that promote doping. International athletes (for example) are under constant pressure, as they are proud representatives of their home country. Athletes sometimes bring up this "win at all costs" mentality, otherwise they are presented as a major disappointment to everyone who believes in them, including coaches, family and the public. Another reason athletes capitulate to doping pressures is to make more money. If an athlete succeedsdoing exceptionally well in his chosen sport, he will receive more financial opportunities such as sponsorships. Sponsorships are one of the main sources of income for athletes. Therefore, the more sponsorships they earn, the more revenue they will generate by allowing companies to promote the athlete's image universally. Effects of Using Performance Enhancing Drugs There are various performance enhancing drugs that are available in the drug market, such as anabolic agents, human growth hormones (HGH), peptide hormones, erythropoietin (EPO ), stimulants, and opioids, all of which cause increased 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 exercise various organs of the body, depending on the type of drug. Blood doping (for example) aims to increase the mass of red blood cells, which allows the body to transport more oxygen to the muscles, which improves the individual's endurance. Unfortunately, blood doping puts enormous strain on the heart in the process, making the individual prone to heart disease, stroke, and cerebral or pulmonary embolism. The permanent effects of doping not only harm the physical health of athletes, but they also damage their reputation. On average, only 1 to 2 percent of athletes are arrested for doping because illegal substances have been attributed to the individual. However, the small percentage of athletes who have had bad luck face a lifetime ban, depending on the severity of the problem. 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 occurs in a sport, the more the sport becomes known for having a bad stigma. The use of performance-enhancing drugs allows an athlete to have a significant advantage over various other athletes. Since the early 1960s, when the first victims of doping occurred, doping has been definitively banned in all sporting competitions, which makes doping an unfair and illegal practice, because it creates disparities in sporting performance. Lance Armstrong, arguably the most renowned and iconic rider in cycling history, is known for his repeated blood doping scandals. He won seven consecutive Tour de France races, from 1999 to 2005, where his stunning performances often suggested the use of performance-enhancing drugs throughout his professional career. In July 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) charged Armstrong with doping, following testimony from Armstrong's former teammates and blood samples from the latter stages of his life. Three months later, USADA confirmed that Armstrong would be banned from all sports that follow the WADA code, as well as all of his previous achievements. The Lance Armstrong doping case serves as an example to all athletes considering doping; what consequences await them. Being stripped of your major life achievements and given a lifetime ban 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 sports that needs to be addressed continuously and implement possible strategies to resolve the problem. In 2004, WADA established a document known as the World Anti-Doping Code..