Performance-enhancing drugs: Know the risks

It is no secret that the fitness industry has become synonymous with image.  Whether that is a good image, e.g. lean, fit, healthy looking bodies or, some of the more extreme images, e.g. unbelievably large, ripped muscles on both men and women is totally in the eye of the beholder.  However, the journey to achieving either outcome is very different with one path providing a life that is healthy and relatively free from illness and disease and the other, almost guaranteed to send you to an early grave.

Most serious athletes will tell you that the competitive drive to win can be fierce. Besides the satisfaction of personal accomplishment, athletes often pursue dreams of winning a medal for their country or securing a spot on a professional team. In such an environment, the use of performance-enhancing drugs has become increasingly common.  In the world of body building, performance-enhancing drugs have become the norm and in some cases, considered mandatory.

But using performance-enhancing drugs — aka, doping — isn't without risks. Take the time to learn about the potential benefits, the health risks and the many unknowns regarding so-called performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids, androstenedione, human growth hormone, erythropoietin, diuretics, creatine and stimulants. You may decide that the benefits aren't worth the risks.

Over the following days, I will look at specific groups of performance-enhancing drugs, their effects and the risks.  There will be many people who will tell you that the risks are minimal and worth taking for the benefits gained.  I want you to think carefully about what you might gain by doping and then what you stand to lose.

Many of the drugs we will be examining can only be purchased in Australia illegally over the internet.  There is a reason for this!  If you are caught importing these banned substances, you could be looking at serious fines or even prison.  Before you commit to using performance-enhancing drugs, of any sort, consider what your life would be like if you get caught, are banned from competing and/or end up with a prison sentence.

My first article in this series, starting tomorrow, will be about Anabolic Steroids.  Don’t miss it.