Ethical Use Of Recreational Drugs In Sports

The Ethics of Recreational Drugs in Sports

The abuse of drugs takes place in all sports and at all competition levels. There can be multiple reasons as to why an athlete may start taking recreational drugs, which might eventually lead to drug abuse. It can be a desire to enhance performance, self-treat, a cause for psychological illness or a source of stress releaser. Most of the athletes, however, start taking recreational drugs because they feel a pressure to enhance performance or to absorb physical pain. The issue of course is if this is legal (which is definitely not), and its impact in the enjoyment of the sport for the other competitors. Recreational drug use in sport (or Doping) have been studied for decades, especially with athletes using it during Olympics. There have been several Ethics committees set up to investigate doping in performing athletes. Understanding the history of doping, the effects different classes of recreational drugs have on an athlete’s body, and the ethical factors attached to this dilemma is important for this investigation.

The performance enhancing drugs have evolved with the advancement of science and some of the content produced have become illegal. Several sports organisations have banned the consumption of the performance enhancing drugs and there are strict measures taken against the players who use them. Doping, which is the use of drugs to enhance performance has become an important field of study in the present era. These drugs are constantly being found in several athletes of all ages, countries and backgrounds. Here it must be noticed that these recreational drugs do not only include performance enhancing drugs, they may also include illegal drugs or anabolic steroids. The dietary supplements can also be considered a part of