In this study, the researchers evaluated the efficacy of the Good Sports program (Rowland, Allen, & Toumbourou, 2012), which was implemented at community football clubs in Australia. This program includes a variety of environmental interventions grouped across three accreditation levels. An example of a level 1 intervention strategy is serving alcoholic drinks only in standard drink amounts, an example of a level 2 strategy is not serving shots of liquor, and an example of a level 3 is having and distributing a written alcohol policy to club members. An initial study showed that clubs with higher accreditation levels reported less alcohol use than clubs with lower accreditation levels (Rowland et al., 2012).
The most recent study, a multicenter RCT demonstrated reduced consumption and cravings [74]. In the only study to look at theta burst in nicotine users, abstinence rates were increased three months post treatment but cravings were unchanged [45,75]. A metanalysis involving twelve studies looking at tDCS on symptoms of nicotine dependence demonstrated significant positive changes in smoking intake and craving related to cues [76]. The most recent study looking at smokers not looking to quit were treated with tDCS which cut their cravings by 50% negative effects of drugs in sport but intake remained the same [77]. For example, all else being equal, adolescent alcohol use would theoretically be lower in a community that had numerous alcohol-free social activities available that were reinforcing to young people than a community that did not have such alternative activities. Behavioral economic theory also posits that alcohol and drug use will be lower when individuals are orientated toward future rewards incompatible with substance use, such as successful educational and vocational outcomes (Murphy & Dennhardt, 2016).
List of the Pros of Doping in Sports
Considering these promising findings, as well as the overall support for different types of environmental interventions in other populations, athletic organizations should consider contextual strategies designed to limit alcohol and other drug use. Many large organizations have clear rules and policies built into their larger systems, such as suspensions for positive drug tests or alcohol-related arrests. Individual teams, clubs, or schools/universities could build more specific, targeted policies into their systems. For example, a high school or adolescent sporting club might ask team members to sign a pledge to refrain from alcohol and drug use, whereas a collegiate or adult club might ask team members to pledge to limit their alcohol consumption in some way. Consistent with behavioral economic theories, organizations could also promote social activities that do not involve substance use.
Unfortunately there is no organization to determine the composition of these food supplements, so when an athlete decides to use them, he is taking the risk of potential doping. Even for the astute family physician, it can be difficult to identify patients who are using performance-enhancing drugs. Drug abuse in athletes is a significant problem that has many potential underlying causes. The drive to be the best in sport dates to ancient times, as does the use of performance-enhancing substances.
Drug abuse in athletes
The long-term effects of prohibited Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, or SARMs, like Ostarine or LGD-4033, are still largely unknown, due to the fact that SARMs have not been approved for human use. Concerningly, hormone and metabolic modulators, like GW1516, are often masqueraded as, or used in combination, with SARMs. GW1516 never made it through pre-clinical trials because it consistently caused cancer. Although the long-term effects of SARMs are still unknown, side effects may start with hair loss and acne. More serious health consequences have also been documented, including liver toxicity, as liver enzymes rise, and drops in good cholesterol, which can affect heart health. If this stress continues, SARMs have the potential to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.