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Running head: ATHLETES USE PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS 1

ATHLETES USE PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS 5

Should Athletes use Performance-Enhancing Drugs?

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Should Athletes use Performance-Enhancing Drugs?

The rising number of athletes using performance enhancement drugs leading to dismissal has stirred a debate on whether the utilization of the components should proceed. The differing opinion of scholars is that athletes should stop doping. The rest oppose halting the use of the drugs. The citation of health concerns, the illegitimacy of the practice, and social implications are some of the consideration that influences the contradicting perception. However, after a review of the matter, the paper implies that athletes should choose individually on whether to use performance enhancement drug. The reason is attributable to the allegation of the contents posing harm to health lacking a quantifiable explanation. In affirming the suggestion, the paper will present both contradictory opinion and support ideas to enhance the objectivity of the presentation on the subject.

Support

The proponents of the utilization of the drug suggest that enhancers are similar to other nutritional food components that supplement the body’s energy. Therefore, their utilization is legal. According to Savulescu, Foddy, & Clayton (2004), the health effects cited are not quantifiable since the genetic makeups of the individual determine the outcome in response. Just as the case with medication, the enhancers only pose short-term effects depending on a person’s immunity levels. Additionally, the drugs cannot guarantee excellence in athletics since progress depends on individual’s ability to exploit the cognitive skills. The citation of the action being an individual choice is also a point of note in supporting the use of performance enhancing drugs.

The ideas supporting the argument are that enhancers are not dangerous in the same way drugs for treating ailments is not harmful when taken as per the prescription. If all drugs are harmless, then performance enhancers are harmless. Therefore, the athletes should have the choice of deciding whether to use the drugs. Athletes used the components in the past decades, but the detection of such was not possible due to unavailability of sophisticated technologies. Hence, in the present, the athletes should be free to use the drugs. According to Savulescu, Foddy, & Clayton (2004), the implication that it gives the wealthy unfair advantage is misguided since the drugs exist even in traditional forms. The only concern is that enhancers usurp the enjoyment associated with sporting.

Oppose

The argument on the possibility of the drugs boosting the prowess of the athlete features as the point for opposition to permitting steroids. The suggestion by the opponents is that prohibition will ensure fairness in competition. As noted, drugs energize person thus giving him/her advantage over others (Savulescu, Creaney, & Vondy, 2013). Consequently, the opponents cite detrimental health impacts. The premise for the assertion is that the utilization of performance enhancements drugs violates the rules of the games since the drug gives other advantages over the rest. The opponents of the idea cite the example as one presented by in case of sport regulating bodies dismissing some. The possibility of people succumbing to physical pain in old age is the side effects of drug that enhance performance.

Despite the arguments that the drugs pose minimal harm, medics have documented case of athletes suffering because of the utilization of drugs. According to Savulescu, Creaney, & Vondy (2013), the reaction of the chemical components alters the normal body response and such affirms the dangers steroids pose. Subsequently, the regulating authorities consider the social and psychological implication when barring the use of the drug. They also destroy the competitive nature of athletics that thrives on the ability of one to exploit natural prowess to excellence.

Conclusion

The controversial subject of whether to allow athletes to use enhancements drugs or not is a debate raging in sport. Both the supporters and those opposing the idea cite health, social and legal concerns as the issue of considerations. The view of proponents appears persuasive since the group cites practical examples. The opponents cite valid cases. However, the basis for opposing enhancement use focuses on fairness that is hard to quantify. It is on this basis that the paper recommends the urge to permit the utilization of drugs among artists unperturbed by the action.

References

Savulescu, J., Creaney, L., & Vondy, A. (2013). Should athletes be allowed to use performance enhancing drugs?. BMJ, 347, f6150.

Savulescu, J., Foddy, B., & Clayton, M. (2004). Why we should allow performance enhancing drugs in sport. British journal of sports medicine, 38(6), 666-670.