Drug Abuse in Sports and Its Psychological Effects on Athletes

The paper examined drugs and its abuses in competitive sports. The type of drugs that are banned in sports, that are performance-enhancing drugs such as psycho-stimulant, sympathomimethic aminos (Amino substances) central nervous system stimulators, narcotics etc. Effects of doping drugs on the athlete and the psychological implication, which include deterioration of performance with constant use indiscipline and some times destitution may result. Suggestions were made on ways of curbing drugs abuse in competitive sports including counseling. The paper concluded that if the suggested measures are adopted, drug use in sports will be reduced to the barest minimum or totally climinated from sports; that the use of drugs in sports if not curbed may result in more negative psychological consequences on both the athlete and society in general. (Journal of Vocational, Science & Educational Development, 4(1). April, 2003: 66 – 71