Athletes Should Not Use Performance Enhancing Drugs (Doping)

Allie Barfield
English 1101
Instructor: Dr. Sarah Anne Shope
Research Paper
Date
According to Merriam-Webster, doping is defined as the illegal use of a substance to improve athletic performance. This definition is relevant in several situations such as a college athlete who is using steroids to increase their strength. In today’s time, sports have evolved into a way of life for most athletes. There is intense competition and competitors have a hefty amount of pressure to be the best. Being the best; however, takes a lot of challenging work and long hours. Using performance enhancers is a shortcut for athletes to achieve their goals quicker and easier. Athletes participating in sports should not be able to use drugs that enhance their performance due to the loss of fairness for others, health risks, and the negative impact on those who are watching.
Thesis
Performance-enhancing drugs should totally be banned from being used by athletes. Athletes who take part in using them, when found guilty should face charges and banned from the participation of the games since it is unethical.
Creation of unfair competition
The use of PEDs results into unfair completion in the sports arena. The users get themselves an illegal advantage over the others. Valentino and others, stated that athletes use these drugs so that they get the split second advantage over the others. They engage in doping so that they can earn the vast sums of money that come with the difference in the second. If doping is permitted, there will be temptations to use the drugs hugely as to win the split second advantage. Athletes who are clean will be forced to indulge in the utilization of the drugs, therefore, destroying the integrity of the sports.
Murray (2008) , in his book ‘Sports Enhancement’ ,said that the use of the drugs should be completely banned because their use is fowl and destroys the respect people have for the sports. Recognition of natural talents and how they are perfected is the essence of sporting. The unfair competition the drugs will cause will make people lose what was thought to be beautiful and admirable in sports (Murray).
“Well, when I think of steroids I think of an image. You have the advantage over someone, which is a form of cheating. I guess it wouldn’t be right unless it was legal for everybody,” said Evander Holyfield, a retired professional boxer.
Health risks to the athletes.
The consumption of these drugs can long term effects on the athlete’s health. USADA notes that there can have permanent effects like impotence, inability to give birth and balding. To dangerous levels, the athlete may suffer from damages of the liver and heart, and also the drugs increase the chances of the individuals experiencing clotting of blood ( Lee).
The use of anabolic Agents causes stunted growth and increased sexual appetite which can stir immoral actions. In the long run, the use of the drugs will lead to addiction of the substance. When a user tries to withdraw from the use of the drugs, he or she might suffer from depression that can lead to suicide. The effects might vary from one athlete to another (Tolleneer).
The use of Growth Factors and Peptide Hormones will lead to healt...