The Use of Steroids in Sports Should Be Permitted or Legalized Essay Example for Free

The Use of Steroids in Sports Should Be Permitted or Legalized Essay Steroid in sports has been used since 1954 where the soviets won many weight classes which brought about debates about use of testosterone on the team members. The testosterone injections were used to enhance the performance of the athletes that led to wining so many medals. Use of Anabolic steroids was evident and this was different from the use of oral steroids, use of herbs and foods that improve the muscular strength in performance in events (Milton John H. 205-208). In the resent past, professionals especially in the athletic field have had lucrative contracts on use of these substances has been on the increase. Besides increasing performance they have been known to fasten the healing process of injuries and also increase the length of time in which one spends in the career. In the late 1990s their use was a symbol of national pride as athletes won Olympic Gold Medals. Other substances and drugs have been in use in an attempt to enhance performance but the anabolic steroids have been found to be more powerful. For example, with Dianabol many athletes sought to have access to the drug and even have protocols on their use. However, in 1968 the World health Organization (WHO) complained on use of the steroid on their use and dispensation on pharmaceuticals. The Anabolic steroids were banned by the International Olympic Council although many athletes avoided drug tests (Putriam Douglas 250). In the 1990s the use of anabolic steroids had spread into the society and into high school levels that led to an anti-steroid policy being formulated to monitor their use. However the government should legalize it so that there is a level playing field since many athletes are using the drugs (Taylor William N. 370). A legal option should be provided as well as having a moral choice on its use The situation should only be regulated and supervised as this would minimize health risks that may be associated. Despite the fact that they have great effects on the body, it can maximize physical performance and hence one can optimize his earning potential. It should however not be advocated for those under 21 years. Their use should be legalized and regulated and more importantly taxed. In an example of Rafael Palmeiro who was a player of the Baltimore Orioles who suffered serious injuries and used steroids as an alternative to quick recovery and resistance to injury rather than increasing on his performance. In such a case, use of this steroid would be a good option so that he would be helped out of multiple serious injuries that he suffered (Hanson Glen 100, 115). They are none to reduce injury, increase recovery and tissue bonding that increases exertion with blunt force trauma as in footballers. The substances should be looked into to find out on their chemical content and especially to find out those that offer better living for athletes. Perhaps they may be necessary or of help to laborers who carry out heavy jobs such as dock workers who load goods. It’s also too late to ban steroids and a consideration of making performance enhancing drugs should be of concern. Athletes who do not use the steroids risk low performance and risk their job too. Those that use want to be competitive as this is their only measure of worth. Despite the link of steroid use to physical and mental problems, this is only as a result of their abuse and improper use but otherwise doctors would prescribe the same for medical and cosmetic reasons. If legalized, doctors would safely prescribe the drug according to medical history and condition of players. Doctors would also give benefits and risks of their use so that they can make informed choices. Furthermore this would guarantee protection or enhancement from the use of steroids. According to Husak D. , in sports, performance is considered more important than character and so if the steroids can revitalize these careers then it should be legalized (Husak Douglas. 30, 36). The belief that steroids will give a development of power and strength to win has pushed more athletes to their use. It is also believed that they relieve them from heavy workouts by increasing their muscle mass. The same drugs are used for treating anemia, bone degradation, facilitate growth and in other disorders of gonads and gynecological problems. Steroids work so well and the society enjoys and supports sports and the athletes and so, they would not mind so much if they are kept entertained on the screen without considering what is behind the energy presented in their fans (Yesalis E. C. 456-465). A swimmer by the name Rick De Mont was confronted for using ephedrine which is a steroid and a performance enhances in 1972 and this drug is also used to treat Asthma. Coincidentally the swimmer was also found to be asthmatic and this proved his use. Ethically he should not be denied this drug because of his health and medical need since his life is at risk and his living needs not be compromised too. If steroids are legalized then all athletes would be operating from one level rather than others being more competitive than others. Equal opportunity of legal and controlled drugs should be made available.