Doping in sport: what is doping and types of doping substances?

Doping in sport is a topic that never ceases to make headlines in the media. This practice, in addition to being an ethical violation, is a risk to the athlete's health and is subject to heavy penalties.

Coaches and sports nutritionists play a very important role in the promotion of fair play and the prevention of doping, as they are the main support of the athlete on his or her way to peak performance.

If you want to become one of these professionals, with the Master High Performance Sport or the Online Masters in Sports Performance at Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea you can train with professionals in the sector.

What is doping in sport?

Doping in sport involves the use of prohibited substances or methods in order to artificially improve the physical or mental performance of athletes. These practices violate the rules of sports competitions and the principles of fair competition.

Types of doping substances

Doping substances in sport are classified according to their effect on the body and their ability to enhance physical or mental performance

• Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), such as testosterone, nandrolone or stanozololol: they increase muscle mass and strength by promoting protein synthesis. They also accelerate recovery after physical exertion
• Peptide hormones and growth factors, such as erythropoietin (EPO), growth hormone (HGH) or insulin: they increase red blood cell production, promote muscle growth and accelerate recovery.
• Stimulants, such as ephedrine, amphetamines, caffeine in high doses or methylphenidate: increase alertness, reduce fatigue and improve the ability to concentrate.
• Diuretics and masking agents, such as furosemide or acetazolamide: help to lose weight quickly or to hide the use of other substances.
• Narcotics, analgesics and glucocorticoids: reduce the sensation of pain, allowing competition to continue despite injury or fatigue.
• Non-steroidal anabolic agents, such as clenbuterol: help to increase muscle mass and reduce body fat, thus improving endurance.

Consequences of sports doping

Doping has a devastating impact on health, career and sporting values.

Physical consequences

The use of doping substances can cause long-term damage to the body Anabolic steroids, for example, cause heart problems, liver damage, infertility and hormonal changes. Hormones, on the other hand, increase the risk of thrombosis and strokes, and stimulants can cause anxiety, insomnia and also increase cardiovascular problems.

In extreme cases, doping can lead to death due to overdose or complications resulting from prolonged use.

Social consequences

Athletes who test positive for doping substances can receive severe sanctions, such as disqualification, loss of medals and temporary or permanent suspension.

They lose not only their reputation, but also sport sponsorships, career growth opportunities and the trust of fans.

Ethical consequences

Doping is a violation of the principles of fair play and fair competition, fundamental values of sport. Using prohibited substances gives an unfair advantage, which undermines the effort and talent of other competitors.

Anti-doping regulations in sport

Anti-doping agencies, such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), are responsible for regulating and sanctioning doping in sport. Each year, WADA publishes an updated list of prohibited substances and methods, which distinguishes between substances prohibited at all times and those prohibited only in competition.

In addition, athletes are obliged to undergo doping controls at any time, both in and out of competition. In case they need medication for health reasons, they can apply for a therapeutic use exemption.

Also, the biological passport allows recording the biological values of an athlete over time, which allows detecting anomalous changes that could suggest doping, even without finding prohibited substances in a specific control.

Sanctions are also part of the anti-doping regulations. These not only affect athletes, but also trainers, nutritionists or medical personnel who facilitate doping.

How to combat doping in sport

In most cases of doping, the root of the problem lies in the lack of knowledge about its consequences and the pressure to obtain quick results. In this context, prevention and education are the main tools to combat this practice, as they help athletes to internalize the values of fair play and to make informed decisions.

Coaches and sports nutritionists are the ones in charge of training and transmitting these values.

On the one hand, a coach trained in anti-doping regulations can identify signs of pressure or bad influences and guide the athlete towards legitimate and healthy methods to improve performance.

On the other hand, sports nutritionists have the responsibility to design eating plans that optimize performance without resorting to banned substances. They need to keep abreast of updates to the banned substances list and the latest research on ergogenic aids and safe sports supplementation. By being trained, they can identify potential risks in products marketed as “natural” that may in fact contain doping substances.

In short, training clean sport professionals is essential to creating a healthier, more ethical and doping-free sporting environment.