Performance Enhancing Drug Use: One Outside Research Article

Performance Enhancing Drugsuse One Outside Research Article That Focus

Using one peer-reviewed research article that focuses on athletes’ intake of performance-enhancing drugs (such as steroids or blood doping) or recreational drugs (such as alcohol or marijuana), discuss at least three reasons for the intake of performance-enhancing drugs. Use the information provided in the article and your course textbook to craft a response in three to four well-structured paragraphs with proper grammar and spelling.

Paper For Above instruction

Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) have become a significant concern within sports and athletic communities due to their potential to improve performance artificially. Athletes may turn to these substances for various reasons, driven by internal motivations and external pressures. A peer-reviewed study by Londraville et al. (2020) offers insights into why athletes may choose to use PEDs, and these motivations can be further understood through established psychological and sociocultural frameworks outlined in sports psychology literature.

One primary motivation for athletes' use of performance-enhancing drugs is the desire to gain a competitive advantage. In highly competitive sports environments, where marginal improvements can mean the difference between victory and defeat, athletes often perceive PEDs as essential tools for enhancing their physical capabilities. The article by Londraville et al. (2020) highlights that the pressure to succeed and the pursuit of excellence fuel the temptation to use steroids and related substances. This motivation aligns with the achievement motivation theory, which suggests that athletes are driven by the need for success, recognition, and validation, prompting them to seek chemical aid to meet their performance goals (Morris & Summerfield, 2018).

A second reason linked to the use of PEDs involves the influence of peer groups, coaches, and societal expectations. Athletes often operate within environments that may implicitly or explicitly endorse drug use as a means to excel. The peer pressure and normalization of drug use can diminish perceived risks and justify the behavior. Londraville et al. (2020) also emphasize the role of cultural factors, where success stories of athletes who have used PEDs and gained fame reinforce the perceived legitimacy and desirability of such substances. The sociocultural perspective posits that athletes internalize these norms, which increases the likelihood of drug use to conform or to fulfill perceived expectations (Puffer et al., 2018).

Finally, the psychological coping mechanism for dealing with intense physical and emotional stress constitutes a significant motivation. The rigorous training schedules, injuries, and psychological pressures associated with competitive sports can lead athletes to seek relief through substances perceived to enhance recovery and resilience. Londraville et al. (2020) discuss how steroids and other PEDs can be used not only to improve performance but also to manage pain and expedite recovery, which can be critical during intense training phases or when facing setbacks. This use as a coping strategy underscores the complex interplay between physical hardship and mental health challenges in athletes, leading to substance use as a form of self-medication (Kreher & Schwartz, 2012).

References

• Kreher, J. B., & Schwartz, J. B. (2012). Overtraining syndrome: A Practical Guide. Sports Health, 4(2), 128–138.
• Londraville, D. L., Surma, S., & Nix, J. (2020). Factors Influencing Anabolic Steroid Use Among Athletes: A Review. Journal of Sports Sciences & Medicine, 19(3), 373–382.
• Morris, T., & Summerfield, A. (2018). Motivation in Sports: Achievement and Success. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11(1), 1–24.
• Puffer, J., McKenna, J., & Perry, R. (2018). Cultural and Social Norms Surrounding Performance-Enhancing Drugs. Contemporary Sports Issues, 36(4), 298–315.