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Stimulant use in sports
1Audie L Murphy VA Hospital, San Antonio, Texas, USA. pichot@connecti.com
The American Journal on Addictions
|November 11, 1998
Summary
This review examines stimulant use in sports medicine, covering their history, effects on athletic performance, and the psychological and organizational factors driving their use by athletes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatric Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Stimulant use in sports presents complex challenges.
- Understanding the multifaceted nature of stimulant use is crucial for athletes and sports organizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of stimulant use in psychiatric sports medicine.
- To explore the historical context, recent developments, and ergogenic/ergolytic effects of stimulants in sports.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of stimulant use in sports.
- Analysis of historical events and recent trends, including the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
- Examination of major stimulant categories: amphetamines, beta2 agonists, caffeine, and cocaine.
- Review of neurobiological effects on the brain's reward circuit.
- Investigation of individual and organizational factors influencing stimulant use.
Main Results:
- Stimulants have a varied history in sports, with new substances emerging.
- Major stimulants like amphetamines and caffeine can enhance or impair performance.
- Stimulants significantly impact the brain's reward pathways.
- Both personal motivations and sports-related pressures contribute to athlete stimulant use.
Conclusions:
- Stimulant use in sports is influenced by historical precedents, pharmacological effects, and socio-environmental factors.
- Further research is needed to address the complexities of stimulant use in athletic populations.