[Legal and societal aspects of doping in sport]

This narrative review provides an overview of the legal and societal aspects of doping in sports phenomenon, which is both complex and multifaceted. Doping is not merely an issue confined to elite and professional sports but also, and especially, a problem within recreational and fitness sports.The legal aspects of doping encompass the legal framework governing the use of doping substances as well as the penalties and sanctions that can be imposed for violations. The sports-law regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Nationale Anti-Doping Agentur (NADA) Codes, as well as national anti-doping regulations, are intended to prevent the use of doping substances in sports and protect athletes from the health risks associated with doping. In Germany, a dedicated Anti-Doping Act was enacted in 2015 to address this issue.The societal aspects of doping concern its impact on society and the culture of sport by undermining established values and norms. Doping in sport compromises the fairness, equal opportunities, and integrity of athletic competition. Furthermore, the use of doping substances and methods can lead to serious health problems and injuries.Therefore, preventive anti-doping measures are not only a responsibility of sport itself, but a societal responsibility to protect fairness and transparency, public trust in sport, and the health of athletes. Only through close cooperation among all stakeholders in sport can a sustainable solution to the problem of doping be found.