Throughout their careers, athletes have to overcome trials during competitions and in training sessions. Rigorous hours of mind and body condition shape the perfect Olympian that can endure severe, gut-wrenching bouts of training and weightlifting. Whether a person is a boxer, a skier, a swimmer, a rugby player, or a mixed martial artist, each one of these people has to maintain the condition witnessed by thousands of people around the world. However, for a select few, diet and exercise do not produce results quickly enough. In the worst case scenario (which happens more than you think), athletes will turn to a dangerous alternative: performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Deadly, complex, and highly addictive, these drugs initially work but eventually eat away at the mind and body, reducing people to shells of their former selves. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular PEDs today.
Anabolic Steroids
The most famous (or, in this case, infamous) of the PEDs, anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic drugs that are chemically similar to the male hormone testosterone. Also known as anabolic steroids or androgens, these drugs kickstart growth in skeletal muscles (an anabolic effect) and induce male sex characteristics in both genders (an androgenic effect). Under safer circumstances, doctors will prescribe these steroids to patients suffering from delayed puberty or a severe medical condition. These drugs are more commonly used illicitly by bodybuilders, powerlifters, and athletes in contact sports (e.g. MMA, wrestling).
Non-Steroidal Anabolics
These drugs are synthesized from chemicals that naturally occur in the human body. Like anabolic steroids, these substances can be prescribed by a doctor but are typically misused by athletes. Examples include the human growth hormone (HGH), insulin-like growth hormone (IGH), and insulin.
Ergo/Thermogenics
Individuals seeking to enhance their performance will seek these drugs to melt away body fat and fine-tune muscle mass. Here are some examples:
- Sympathomimetics: These drugs are chemically similar to epinephrine and norepinephrine, substances that kickstart a person’s heart rate, tighten blood vessels, and raise blood pressure. Athletes may use these to stay alert during long matches.
- Thyroid hormones: These drugs influence the thyroid to manipulate metabolism.
- Xanthines: These drugs are specifically used to induce wakefulness and energy for long periods of time. Examples include caffeine, theophylline (an asthma medication), and theobromine (a naturally occurring chemical in coffee, tea, and chocolate).
Always remember that PEDs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction and substance abuse troubles today.
