Posts Tagged doping

UK Anti-Doping Heads for a Start

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on October 8th, 2009

anti doping

The first anti-doping body in UK is ready for a start from 14th December. The Sports Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe announced this initiative recently. UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) will be based at Cockspur Street in central London and will be headed by Chair David Kenworthy and Chief Executive Andy Parkinson. A well experienced senior team, who are being recruited, will also be a part of the body.

Two other novel initiatives that were also announced are – (i) A “Drug Cheats” hotline which may be used to provide information on doping or supply of banned substances in sports. (ii) An athletes’ committee which will enable Ukad to liaise with the athletes and understand the best ways to support them in future. The hotline will start operating after Ukad starts working. The number of the hotline has not been decided as yet but will appear in its website when Ukad begins to function.  

The Sports Minister said, “UK Anti-Doping will be up and running, as promised, by the end of the year. It is the latest step in our war on drug cheats and will ensure this country is leading the way on anti-doping. The integrity of sport must not be put at risk and fans need to be confident that the athletes they are watching are clean. With greater links with law enforcement agencies Ukad will help us catch cheats before they get to the start line.”

Mr.Sutcliffe also said that he had proposed the International Olympic Committee and the organizers of the 2012 Games that the athletes should agree to the terms of their rooms being searched anytime by anti-doping officials. This would be the first time that Olympic anti-doping officials will get the right to enter the athlete’s room unannounced and search them on suspicion of doping. But it is doubtful whether athletes will agree to it.

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Sports and Drugs (or should we say drug abuse?)

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Abuse Treatment, Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Testing, Prescription Drug Abuse on October 6th, 2009

sports

Sports have been upheld as an alternative of drugs. Young people are encouraged to take part in sports activities since apart from being a constructive source of recreation, sports help to develop a sound mind in a sound body. But the irony is that drug abuse has been increasingly associated to sports – thanks to those who, in search of glory and fame, could do anything – even drugs just to be the winner. “What counts is not the winning but taking part,” is not acceptable. It is not just winning but the rewards that follow and this serves as the primary driving force to take drugs.

Drugs in sports act as performance enhancers. Such drugs, known as ergogenic drugs have been used by sports personalities for a long time. The instance of drug abuse has been reported since the start of the Olympics in Greece in 776 B.C. The competitors then were reported to have consumed certain chemicals that would increase their performance level and provide that extra edge over the others.

The problem of drug abuse became a threat to sports from the 19th century. Today doping is a common term that has affected all forms of sports – athletics, soccer, weight lifting, cricket and so on. I firmly believe that you don’t have to tax your memory to name some of the big names associated with sports of different sorts who have either been banned or atleast suspended for their misdemeanor.

Generally drugs are used for the following benefits:

  • Raising concentration level
  • Boosting up strength and power
  • Increasing endurance level
  • Speed acceleration
  • Enhancing aggressiveness
  • Improving fine motor co-ordination
  • Reducing anxiety, tremor and pain sensation

But the effects of ergogenic drugs could be extremely dangerous. Liver function, reproductive system, metabolic impairment and psychological effects are common. The anabolic steroids hinder the normal hormonal balance and feedback system.

Have faith on your capability, work hard and you can be the winner.

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