PEDs

• PEDs

  • Drugs that can improve a person's performance in sport or athletic activities
  • give them an unfair advantage over their opponents
• types of PEDs

  • Anabolic steroids- which increase muscle size to give the user increased strength, speed and stamina but may lead to organ damage and increased aggression
  • Stimulants- which make the user more alert and able to react faster, they will have greater endurance but it may also lead to aggressive behaviour
  • Narcotic analgesics- which are very strong painkillers that enables users to maintain their performance despite suffering from injuries
• ethics of PEDs

  • Rationalists think there may be times when their use is justified
  • Absolutists think that they are morally wrong and should be banned from all sport
• arguments for the use of PEDs

  • athletes should have the freedom to choose
  • PEDs may help overcome inequalities in competitive sport, since athletes have do not have access to the same opportunities to improve themselves (e.g. facilities, training equipment or coaches)
  • Competing at a higher level may only be possible for some athletes if they are using performance-enhancing drugs
• arguments against use of PEDS

  • Many performance-enhancing drugs are illegal
  • These drugs give athletes an unfair advantage over those who do not take them. Performance should be the result of training and hard work only
  • The health risks associated with these drugs are serious, and include a variety of side effects