Chapter[ XI. Recommendations ]
Section[ C. 3. Explain the Health Risks in Context and Provide Education on Alternative Methods to Achieve the Same Results ]
3. Explain the Health Risks in Context and Provide Education on Alternative Methods to Achieve the Same Results
Most of the performance enhancing substance educational programs we reviewed
address the side effects of performance enhancing substance use and the deleterious health
effects of long-term use. According to Dr. Hoffman, however, these health risks, although
important, generally will not deter a player from using these substances. This is because players
who use or are considering using performance enhancing substances do not consider them
dangerous if used properly. This view is reinforced when players see that other players who they
know are using performance enhancing substances are not experiencing the adverse health
effects described in the educational materials.
To counter this skepticism, Dr. Hoffman proposes that, while it is important to
educate players about the dangers of performance enhancing substances, it is just as important to
educate them on how to achieve the same results through proper training, nutrition, and
supplements that are legal and safe. While the clubs have done a better job in recent years of
informing players of the importance of fitness and proper nutrition through their strength and
conditioning coaches, this message should be delivered in the context of substance use
prevention, so that the players understand they can achieve some of the same benefits through
training and fitness and, if necessary, legal supplements.
Another health risk associated with performance enhancing substances is the
unknown nature and origin of the substances. Players need to be aware of the risks associated
with buying black market drugs. Veterinary steroids are sometimes sold illegally to steroid
300
abusers.576 Similarly, many of the home laboratories that were raided by the Drug Enforcement
Administration as part of its “Operation Raw Deal” in 2007 were unsanitary, with steroids being
mixed in bathtubs or bathroom sinks in some instances.577 An effective education program must
highlight the potential health risks associated with taking drugs of unknown origin without a
prescription.
Contents
Prev
Next
Last
