Tricky concepts

• What does anabolic steroids do? And why might people take them?

  Anabolic steroids increase protein synthesis and allow you to train for longer and with more intensity. People take them to increase their chances of winning and they are useful for activities requiring power.

  But they can cause liver damage,d CHD and skin problems.
• What do beta-blockers do and why do people take them?

  Beta-blockers reduce anxiety, reduce muscle tremors and have a calming effect. They are useful for sports that require precision such as archery. But they can cause low blood pressure and sleep disturbance.
• What do diuretics do and why do people take them?

  Diuretics cause people to achieve quick weight loss and they can mask other drugs. Boxers and hours riders may take them to achieve weight quickly. But they can cause dehydration and heart/kidney failure.
• What do narcotics do and why do people take them?

  They give users a sense of euphoria, mask injuries and increase pain threshold. They can useful for athletes that do physical sports. But they can cause nausea, anxiety, addiction and concentration loss.
• What do peptide hormones do and why do people take them?

  EPO- Helps increase RBC production therefore increasing oxygen delivery. People who do endurance activities may use this. But can cause blood clots, and increase risk of heart attack.

  HGH- Helps increase muscle mass and burn more fat. Useful for activities that require strength. But can cause arthritis, heart failure and diabetes.
• What do stimulants do and why do people take them?

  They increase aggression levels, increase competitiveness, reduce tiredness, allow quicker reaction time. Useful for 100m sprinters. But can cause insomnia, aggression and anxiety.
• What does blood doping do and why do people take them?

  Blood doping increases RBC therefore improves oxygen delivery. Useful for endurance athletes. But doping can cause disease, stroke, infections.