The Impact and Regulation of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports

Abstract

Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) have been repeatedly banned in sport for a variety of reasons. The use of PEDs not only violates sports ethics but also creates serious health risks for athletes, such as cardiovascular injuries and mental disorders. In particular, the systematic use of PEDs in some countries or regions with the support of coaches and the state undermines the integrity and fairness of sports, and at the same time, can be detrimental to the sports economy. Although education on the prohibition of PED use is currently very widespread and has raised awareness of the dangers of PED use, the current education system fails to address psychological stressors such as failure anxiety. To further increase awareness of the prohibition of PED use, this review calls for multifaceted reforms, including evidence-based education for youth, advanced detection technologies (e.g., blockchain), and institutional accountability for federations and sponsors. These measures aim to shift the culture of sport towards integrity and athlete well-being rather than performance shortcuts.