Aspects regarding the use of drugs among athletes

Drug abuse among athletes is a current and very important issue, both ethically and in terms of health risks. In addition to the drugs prescribed for the treatment of some diseases, athletes can also use substances that artificially increase their performance, such as: stimulants, anabolics, opioids, erythropoietin, diuretics as well as substances used to mask the prohibited substances.

The aim of this study is to review the data from the literature about the use of various drugs by athletes, for therapeutic purposes, or to increase sports performance.

Methods: We identified several studies using the on-line databases, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Searches were limited to full-text English-language journal articles published between 2003 and 2014.

Results: After the primary analyses we selected a total of 30 relevant studies on this topic.

Even if there is progress in detecting prohibited substances that increase sports performance, doping prevalence persists in sport.

Conclusion: In order to prevent and disrupt drug abuse, appropriate measures should be taken by physicians and coaches, such as warning about the risks of doping, appropriate training, appropriate nutrition and an appropriate psychological approach.