Drugs in Sport (OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE)): Revision Note
Exam code: J587
Sports performers & drug use
Sports performers typically have a strong desire to be successful and as a result they may turn to illegal drugs to enhance their performance and give themselves as an unfair means of achieving their ambitions
A performance-enhancing drug (PED) is any substance taken by a sportsperson to improve the standard of their performance
The use of PEDs is currently one of the biggest issues in modern sport
For example a new event called The Enhanced Games, scheduled for May 2026 in Las Vegas, is a controversial, inaugural, multi-sport event that will allow athletes to use some forms of PEDs without testing, aiming to break world records
Reasons for using drugs in sport
Performance enhancing drugs are taken for a wide range of reasons which include:
To improve physical condition and fitness
for example increase muscle mass to improve strength and power and the ability to train harder and recover quicker
To improve psychological function
for example reduce performance anxiety, calm their nerves or increase levels of arousal and alertness
To win at all costs
This can be for money, fame and fortune or due to considerable pressure from coaches to take drugs or to perform better
To 'level the playing field'
the belief that other competitors are taking drugs, so without drugs they will not be able to compete equally
Prohibited drugs in sport
Drug | Effect on performance | Practical examples | Side effects |
Anabolic agents | Artificial form of the male hormone testosterone which increases strength by promoting bone growth and developing muscle mass Also speed up recovery time allowing performers to train harder and more often | Used by performers who require high levels of strength, muscular endurance and power such as weight lifting, body building, sprinting and other athletic events requiring muscle mass | Severe mood swings, heart disease, testicular atrophy (shrinking testicles), increase in body and facial hair |
Beta blockers | They can block adrenaline, lowering arousal and improving fine motor control and precision Help to reduce heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety, keeping a performer calm | Target sports such as archery, snooker, and shooting as well as in diving and golf | Fatigue, dizziness, cold hands/feet, and slow heart rate |
Stimulants | Increase alertness and reaction time, and concentration in order to mask tiredness or fatigue They can also increase aggression and competitiveness | Used in team contact sports such as rugby, ice hockey and American football and sports which require quick reaction times such as motor sports | Diarrhoea and disrupted sleep patterns |
Diuretics | Causes the body to produce more urine, leading to rapid weight loss. Can be used to try mask the presence of other drugs e.g. anabolic steroids. | Used by athletes who need to 'make weight' e.g. boxers and jockeys | Can lead to severe dehydration |
Narcotic analgesics | Painkillers that can allow an athlete to still perform and compete despite an injury | A gymnast with a sprained ankle that chooses to still compete | Injury may worsen due to continued performance |
Impact of drug use in sport
Although there are many perceived benefits of taking PEDS, they can also negatively impact both the performer and the sport as a whole
For the performer:
There are many associated health risks and side effects
Stripped of medals and titles
For example US Athlete Marion Jones admitted to taking steroids in the Sydney Olympics. She was stripped of her medals and banned from the Beijing Games
They can be fined or even banned from their sport
Taking prohibited substances is cheating and is seen as immoral
There are negative consequences to reputation, resulting in performers being dropped by sponsors
A sport as a whole can be affected when performers frequently test positive for PEDs for example:
A loss of reputation and credibility can occur as spectators and fans doubt that achievements are due to skill and ability alone
For example since the revelations about cyclist Lance Armstrong, the credibility of the Tour de France is placed under constant question
Creates bad publicity and image of the sport which may deter sponsors. There are negative consequences to reputation, resulting in performers being dropped by sponsors
Loss of spectators can result in sports losing income from sponsorship and the media
There may be long-term effects with fewer participants entering the sport due to the loss of reputation
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