WADA & Recreational drugs

Couple of days back we received this question...

"Hi guys, could you possibly explain to me how recreational drugs can enhance performance? Unless, of course, the WADA means the other type of performance!" from Cricket Tragic.

To answer this question, let me quote what Dr Alain Garnier, Medical Director of WADA says in his open letter to those promoting medical supervision of doping.

"Regardless of whether drugs or methods used for doping purposes can effectively enhance performance, there exists no scientific evidence that such practices are healthy, particularly in the mid- and long-term. Depending on the nature of the substance used for doping, the athlete may be able to compete for a longer time, perform faster, tolerate higher workloads, or better withstand pain—but these are certainly far from beneficial to health. To illustrate this point, one should consider a question frequently asked of physicians: in case of injury or fever, what should the legitimate medical attitude be? In general medical practice, the answer is always clear. Why should it be any different in sport? Can one imagine a doctor prescribing amphetamines to a truck driver because he or she is too tired to continue driving?

The use of even the most common drugs is associated with risks and potential side effects. Given this basic fact of pharmacology, any physician must understand the risk/benefit ratio before writing any prescription. Promoting doping for all athletes contradicts this basic principle of medicine. To argue that medically supervised doping is safer because a doctor is in charge misses the point entirely. There exists no credible data indicating that a drug is less dangerous when prescribed by a doctor. Everyday, in hospitals and clinics worldwide, patients experience the side effects of drugs despite strict monitoring by highly experienced doctors."

For a list of banned substances as of 2009, click here

So recreational or otherwise, a drug is a drug. It could cause a great damage (to the user and to the society as a whole) in the long run. In an era where sportspeople are seen as role models, it is imperative they are clean. To ensure things are clean and tidy, we need a WADA and these regulations

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