Prohibited Substances and Doping Control

How substances become prohibited

For a substance or method to be prohibited, it must meet two of the following three conditions:

1.The substance or method has the potential to enhance, or does enhance performance in sport.

2.The substance or method has the potential to risk the athlete’s health.

3.WADA has determined that the substance or method violates the spirit of sport.

The World Anti-Doping Prohibited List identifies substances and methods that athletes cannot take or use, and presents them in a number of categories.

It is important to understand that the Prohibited List is not exhaustive in that several categories of substances are ‘open’. For example, some categories include ‘other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect(s)’.

Every year there are hundreds, if not thousands, of new or modified substances developed in laboratories, or new products released onto the market or black market. There are also people willing to push the boundaries with experimental substances and methods which have not been clinically tested or approved for human use.

Athletes are ultimately responsible for any substance found in their bodies, regardless of how it got there. The presence of a prohibited substance may result in an anti-doping rule violation, whether its use was intentional or unintentional. WADA’s advice to athletes and support personnel is to use caution when considering the use of a particular substance or product as it may lead to a possible anti-doping rule violation.

Steroids are a class of hormones. Synthetic or man-made steroids are artificially produced substances. They can be taken to artificially boost the growth of muscles. 

Health consequences of steroid use include: psychological dependence, increased aggression, mood swings, increased risk of liver disease and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, acne, and sexual side effects. 

Drugs commonly referred to as steroids can be classified as anabolic (anabolic-androgenic) steroids or corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids, such as cortisone or prednisone, are drugs that doctors often prescribe to help control inflammation in the body. Corticosteroids are not the same as the anabolic steroids that are often linked with illegal use in sports.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids (anabolic-androgenic steroids) are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. They are a class of drugs that are legally available only by prescription and are prescribed to treat a variety of conditions that cause a loss of lean muscle mass.

Non-medical use of anabolic steroids is illegal and banned by most major sports organizations.

Anabolic steroids are testosterone derivatives that help the body metabolize ingested proteins and facilitate the synthesis of skeletal muscle. They also delay fatigue and may create a feeling of euphoria.

Steroids are taken in either pill form or injections. The most common dosing is done in cycles of weeks or months, with a short break between. This is called "cycling."

"Stacking" refers to the use of several different types of steroids at the same time.

"Pyramiding," involves slowly increasing the number, the amount, or the frequency of steroids to reach a peak and then gradually tapering the amount and frequency of the drug.

Anabolic steroids are sometimes used by bodybuilders, athletes, and sports fanatics to help their muscles grow.

Online Vocabulary

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice (Choose the correct answer)

1. What are synthetic steroids?
   a) Naturally occurring hormones
   b) Artificially produced substances
   c) Vitamins used in sports
   d) Herbal supplements
   
   

2. Which of the following is a health consequence of steroid use?
   a) Improved immunity
   b) Better sleep
   c) Increased aggression
   d) Faster healing without risks
   
   

3. What is the main difference between corticosteroids and anabolic steroids?
   a) Corticosteroids are illegal in sports
   b) Corticosteroids are used to build muscle
   c) Corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation
   d) Anabolic steroids are used to treat infections
   
   

4. What does the term “stacking” mean?
   a) Taking steroids only once
   b) Using steroids in pill form
   c) Taking breaks between doses
   d) Using several different steroids at the same time

Exercise 2: Questions and Answers

1. What are anabolic steroids?

2. Why is the non-medical use of anabolic steroids illegal?

3. List three health risks associated with steroid abuse.

4. In what forms can steroids be taken?

Exercise 3: True or False

1. Corticosteroids and anabolic steroids are the same type of drug.

2. Anabolic steroids can delay fatigue and create feelings of euphoria.

3. Steroid use can cause health problems in both men and women.

4. Cycling refers to increasing steroid doses without taking breaks.

Marijuana can decrease hand-eye coordination and distort spatial perception, there are other effects that can be performance-enhancing for some athletes and sports disciplines.

Cannabis can cause muscle relaxation and reduce pain during post-workout recovery. It can also decrease anxiety and tension, resulting in better sports performance under pressure. In addition, cannabis can increase focus and risk-taking behaviors, allowing athletes to forget bad falls or previous trauma in sports, and push themselves past those fears in competition.

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer

1. Which of the following substances is a cannabinoid?
   a) Cortisone
   b) Testosterone
   c) Marijuana
   d) Insulin
   
   

2. Why do some athletes take cannabinoids?
   a) To increase muscle size
   b) To improve heart function
   c) To reduce nervous tension and fear
   d) To speed up bone healing
   
   

3. Which effect of marijuana can negatively affect sports performance?
   a) Increased focus
   b) Muscle relaxation
   c) Improved recovery
   d) Decreased hand-eye coordination
   
   

4. What is one possible long-term health consequence of cannabinoid use?
   a) Improved immunity
   b) Better lung capacity
   c) Reduced anxiety permanently
   d) Respiratory diseases

Exercise 2: Answer the questions.

1. What are cannabinoids - give two examples.

2. How can cannabis help some athletes perform better under pressure?

3. Name two negative effects of cannabinoid use on the body or mind.

4. How can cannabis affect post-workout recovery?

Exercise 3: True or False

1. Cannabinoids include marijuana and hashish.

2. Marijuana always improves physical performance.

3. Cannabis can reduce pain and anxiety in some athletes.

4. Long-term use of cannabinoids can weaken the immune system.

Stimulants include ephedrine, amphetamines, and cocaine. Stimulants can increase alertness, reduce fatigue, activate the cardiovascular system, and change the mood. A variety of stimulants are available over the counter, legally and illegally and they are not intended for healthy athletes. WADA’s prohibited list bans more than 60 stimulants. Stimulants are banned in competition.

The use of stimulants can result in psychological and physical dependence including withdrawal symptoms, increased anxiety and aggression, increased blood pressure, as well as increased and irregular heartbeat. In fact, even at a young age, it can result in a heart attack and a stroke.

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer.

1. Which of the following is an example of a stimulant?
   a) Marijuana
   b) Ephedrine
   c) Cortisone
   d) Testosterone
   
   

2. What effect do stimulants have on the body?
   a) They reduce heart activity
   b) They increase alertness and reduce fatigue
   c) They improve immunity
   d) They slow down mood changes
   
   

3. How many stimulants are banned by WADA?
   a) Fewer than 10
   b) About 30
   c) More than 60
   d) Exactly 100
   
   

4. How long can the effect of orally taken stimulants last?
   a) 30 minutes
   b) 1 hour
   c) 2 hours
   d) Up to four hours

Exercise 2: Answer the questions.

1. Name three stimulants mentioned in the text.

2. Why are stimulants not intended for healthy athletes?

3. List three health risks associated with stimulant use.

4. What are the two ways athletes can take stimulants?

Exercise 3: True or False

1. Stimulants can be sold legally or illegally.

2. Stimulants are allowed during competition.

3. The use of stimulants can lead to dependence.

4. Even young athletes can suffer serious heart problems from stimulant use.

EPO is a hormone that is produced naturally by the human body. EPO stimulates red blood cell production, which improves the amount of oxygen the blood can carry to the muscles. EPO can be taken to artificially boost the effectiveness of performance in training and competition.

The use of EPO can result in increased blood viscosity or thickness and stickiness of the blood, blood clots that prevent the blood flow to the lungs, increased blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and general weakness. 

Another method of blood doping involves the use of artificial oxygen carriers. These are chemicals or purified proteins which have the ability to carry oxygen.

They have been developed for therapeutic use, however, are now being misused as performance enhancers.

At the heart of blood doping are endurance sports such as cycling, cross–country skiing, biathlon, triathlon, long–distance races, etc.

Online Vocabulary

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer.

1. What is the main purpose of blood doping?
   a) To reduce muscle fatigue permanently
   b) To increase red blood cell mass
   c) To strengthen bones
   d) To speed up recovery from injuries
   
   

2. How does blood doping improve athletic performance?
   a) By increasing muscle size
   b) By improving coordination
   c) By transporting more oxygen to the muscles
   d) By reducing heart rate
   
   

3. Which of the following is an example of autologous blood doping?
   a) Injecting blood from another person
   b) Injecting synthetic oxygen carriers
   c) Reinjecting the athlete’s own stored blood
   d) Taking EPO tablets
   
   

4. Which sport is most associated with blood doping?
   a) Gymnastics
   b) Weightlifting
   c) Sprinting
   d) Cycling

Exercise 2: Answer the questions.

1. What is blood doping and why do athletes use it?

2. Name the three widely used types of blood doping.

3. What is EPO and what effect does it have on the body?

4. List three health risks linked to the use of EPO.

Exercise 3: True or False

1. Blood doping increases the amount of oxygen the blood can carry.

2. Homologous blood doping uses the athlete’s own blood.

3. Artificial oxygen carriers were originally developed for medical use.

4. Blood doping is mainly used in endurance sports.

Human Growth Hormone (hGH) is produced naturally by the pituitary gland. hGH contributes to the bone, muscle, and organ growth. Dopers take hGH to stimulate muscle growth and boost their athletic performance.

The use of hGH may result in abnormal enlargement of the hands and feet, and growth of the facial bones leading to a protruding forehead, brow, skull, and jaw, severe headaches, loss of vision, high blood pressure, and heart failure, diabetes and tumors, crippling arthritis, heart enlargement, and liver and thyroid damage. 

Online Vocabulary

Exercise 1: Choose the correct answer.

1. Where is Human Growth Hormone (hGH) produced in the body?
   a) The liver
   b) The heart
   c) The pituitary gland
   d) The kidneys
   
   

2. Why do some people and athletes use hGH?
   a) To reduce pain
   b) To slow heart rate
   c) To feel younger and boost performance
   d) To improve coordination
   
   

3. What is one normal function of hGH in the body?
   a) Improving vision
   b) Regulating muscle and bone growth
   c) Preventing disease
   d) Increasing blood pressure
   
   

4. Which of the following is a possible side effect of hGH abuse?
   a) Improved immunity
   b) Reduced bone size
   c) Enlargement of hands and feet
   d) Faster reaction time

Exercise 2: Answer the questions.

1. What is Human Growth Hormone (hGH) and what gland produces it?

2. How does hGH normally help the human body?

3. Why do dopers take hGH?

4. List three serious health risks linked to the misuse of hGH.

Exercise 3: True or False

1. hGH is naturally produced by the human body.

2. hGH is only important for children and has no effect on adults.

3. Misuse of hGH can cause serious damage to organs.

4. hGH abuse can affect bone and facial structure.

Sign the Form – You will complete the doping control form by: providing personal information; noting any substances you may be taking: prescription medication, over the counter medication and supplements; noting concerns and comments, if you have any, about the doping control; confirming the information, recorded numbers and sample code are correct; signing and receiving your copy of the doping control form.

Sample Analysis – Samples will be sent to a WADA accredited laboratory in strict confidentiality. Your A sample will be analyzed and your B sample will be securely stored for further testing if required. The laboratory will send the results to the responsible anti-doping organization (ADO) and WADA.

Online vocabulary

Athlete's Rights

You have the right to:

-          have a representative and, if available, an interpreter;

-          ask for additional information about the sample collection process;

-          request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station for valid reasons;

-          if you are an athlete with a disability, to request modifications to the sample collection procedure

Online Vocabulary

Athlete's Responsibilities

You have a responsibility to:

-          remain within the direct observation of the DCO/chaperone at all times from the point of notification until the completion of the sample collection process;

-          produce appropriate identification;

-          comply with sample collection procedures (failure to do so is an anti-doping rule violation);

-          report immediately for doping control, unless there are serious reasons for the delay

Online Vocabulary