Within the last forty years, the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDS) has massively increased and has become a very controversial topic of discussion. The question, “should an athlete’s accomplishments be disregarded if he/she uses PEDS?” is being asked frequently and is a problem many sporting leagues are having to deal with. The answer is simple, yes, an athletes accomplishments should be disregarded if he/she uses PEDS because it gives them an unfair advantage, is associated with many health risks, and as role models to teen athletes it sets a bad example for them to follow. PEDS are any substance or chemical that alters the regular hormonal functions of the body. The most often used PEDS include steroids, human growth hormone, diuretics, …show more content…
The side effects of these things can affect the athlete themselves and those around them negatively bringing harm to the environment in which they live and work. When an athlete uses any type of PED it comes with many health risk much like anything else in life. In the United States the average person has the right to decide what they put into their bodies, knowing the health risks. Smoking is one example comparable to using PEDS. A person who smokes knows the health risks that are associated with smoking and still has the option to smoke, but when someone smokes it doesn’t give them the upper hand at their place of work. When an athlete decides to use PEDS they know that there are numerous health risk involved like smoking, but these health risks can hurt themselves and the people they work with. Some PEDS require the use of needles, since using PEDS is illegal the athlete must either find a physician who is willing to administer the drug to them or administer it to themselves. If they administer it to themselves it is usually in an unsterile environment, like a bathroom or locker room, which can be dangerous to those around them because the dirty needles have the chance of spreading disease. Also, using these substances and chemicals affects the natural chemical balance within your body, which can affect your brain processes and state of mind. These mental affects can cause mood swings and erratic behavior which can