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Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED)

About Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED)

Athlete at news conferenceSociologists studying human drug use and abuse generally make a distinction between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Athletes ranging from world-class Olympians to high school students have generated controversy for using drugs in either category. Depending on the substance used and the sport in question, an athlete’s drug use may be in violation of both the law and the rules of his or her particular sport. The public prominence of many athletes has put a spotlight on the general problem of recreational drug abuse and the question of whether the use of PEDs should be considered a form of cheating.(Opposing Viewpoints)

Narrow the Topic

  • Discuss the adverse physical and psychological effects of anabolic steroids.
  • How effective is drug testing of athletes?
  • What is the best way to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from sports?
  • Can designer steroids stay ahead of regulations?
  • Compare testing and punishment of steroid use among the following: The Olympics, the NFL, the NCAA, the NBA, the MLB, and the NHL.
  • Contrast anabolic steroids with creatine, erythropoietin (EPO), cyproterone acetate, or human growth hormone (HGH).
  • Does drug testing violate the "innocent until proven guilty" principle?
  • Should high school be randomly tested for steroids and who should pay for the tests?