Drugs & Sports Test

stimulants

A class of drugs that speed up messages traveling between the brain and body.

narcotic analgesics

An analgesic acting on the CNS rather than peripheral nerves.

anabolic agents

Drugs designed to exhibit positive effects on muscle mass, strength, and recovery.

diuretics

Water pills used to lower blood pressure and clear extra fluid from the body.

peptide hormones (EPO)

A hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

blood doping

An illicit method that boosts the blood’s ability to bring more oxygen to muscles.

beta-blockers

Medications that cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force.

androgenic

A substance capable of developing or maintaining masculine characteristics.

androstenedione

A type of chemical known as an anabolic steroid, enhances metabolism and builds up body tissues.

caffeine

A drug that stimulates your brain and nervous system.

chondroitin

A natural molecule that is a major component of cartilage, used to treat osteoarthritis.

ephedra

A plant that stimulates the heart, lungs, and nervous system, used for weight loss and athletic performance.

fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins important for vision, bone health, and skin.

medicinal herbs

Plant matter used in various forms to improve body mass and help relieve muscle and joint pain.

growth hormones

An ergogenic aid produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates muscle growth.

glucosamine

A substance that increases cartilage and fluid around joints to help prevent breakdown.

ergogenic aid

Substances that increase performance by affecting energy metabolism and stimulating protein production.

creatine monohydrate

A supplement that maintains a continuous energy supply to muscles during exercise.

THG

An androgenic steroid that stimulates androgen, improving performance, strength, and muscle mass.

BALCO

A designer anabolic steroid company that created the “clear” known to increase muscle size and strength.

steroid side effects (men)

May include cardiovascular disease, elevated testosterone, and increased risk of osteoporosis.

steroid side effects (women)

Can include elevated testosterone, body/facial hair, and deeper voice.

dietary supplement

A product intended to enhance diet.

anabolic-androgenic steroids

Man-made substances related to male sex hormones that build muscle and masculine characteristics.

athletic code of ethics

A tool used to clarify proper practices versus harmful practices in athletics.

vitamins

Organic compounds necessary for the body, which can be either natural or synthetic.

minerals

Inorganic substances that do not provide energy but are essential for energy production.

megadose of a product

Consuming two or more times the recommended daily allowance.

NCAA ban on coffee

Athletes should not exceed 3 cups of coffee.

Creatine

Increases the capacity of the phosphagen energy system helping athletes resist fatigue.

Performance benefits of Creatine

Improvements in strength, power, speed, and fatigue.

5 side effects of Creatine

Muscle cramping, spasms, gastrointestinal distress, kidney dysfunction, and heat illness.

Ephedra's mechanism

Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system or central nervous system.

Common combination with Ephedra

Usually combined with guarana or other sources of caffeine.

5 side effects of Ephedra

Headaches, restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, and anxiety.

A-S precursors long-term effects

Can cause liver dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and suppressed testosterone.

4 side effects in women

Lower voice pitch, hirsutism, increased abdominal fat, and general virilization.

Main side effect in men

Feminizing effects, including gynecomastia.

3 questions for athletes before using supplements

Is it legal? Is it safe? Does it work?

Primary concern with supplement manufacturers

Lack of strict regulation compared to pharmaceutical drugs.

anabolic

Refers to the process of building body tissue.

androgenic

Refers to promoting male characteristics.

Largest part of the brain

Cerebral cortex, associated with thinking, seeing, hearing, and touch.

Cerebellum function

Coordinates movements.

Brain stem function

Responsible for basic functions.

Limbic system

Part of the brain associated with emotions.

Nucleus accumbens

Involved in the brain's reward pathway.

Drugs and neurotransmitters

Disrupt the absorption of neurotransmitters as brain cells absorb the drug.

Anabolic steroids and the limbic system

Anabolic steroids affect the limbic system, influencing mood.