Definitions of doping

Doping is manipulation by means of chemical substances or other medical methods to enhance the individual’s sport performance. In sports, doping is defined as the use of certain chemical substances or of methods that have been banned by the International Olympic Committee.To dope: To administer to a race horse or an athlete stimulating substances aiming at enhancing performance. The above-mentioned definitions refer to use within sports. In the Anti Doping Hot-Line´s experience, most abusers of these drugs do not take them to improve their sports performance – most of them are not even athletes. The aim seems to be to attain a more muscular body. We call this “social doping”.

This is addiction, according to DSM-IV criteria:

Abstinence – expressing itself either in symptoms that are specific for the particular drug when discontinued, and/or in intake of the drug to alleviate/remove symptoms. Intake of larger amounts and/or for a longer period of time than was intended, “loss of control”. Lasting wish, or unsuccessful attempts, to decrease/control intake. A considerable part of life is spent to obtain and consume the drug, and to recuperate. Important activities (social, professional, leisure) are given up or decreased because of the drug abuse. Continued drug abuse in spite of the abuser’s knowing that it has caused or aggravated physical or mental ailment of permanent or recurring nature.