Beyond the Win: The Real Cost of Performance Enhancing Drugs
Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are substances used to improve athletic performance. The use of these drugs is often referred to as "doping" and is considered unethical and illegal by most sports organizations.
Types of Performance-Enhancing Drugs:
Anabolic Steroids: Synthetic hormones similar to testosterone, used to increase muscle mass and strength.
Stimulants: Drugs that increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and enhance aggression (e.g., amphetamines, caffeine).
Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, and Related Substances: These include human growth hormone (HGH) and erythropoietin (EPO), used to increase muscle growth and red blood cell production, respectively.
Beta-2 Agonists: Primarily used for respiratory conditions like asthma, some may increase muscle mass.