Steroids and Doping in Sports

Emphasizing the controversy over performance-enhancing drugs in sports today, this book examines all aspects of steroid use on the human body across history, from ancient China and India to modern-day professional athletics.The use of performance-enhancing drug use in sports is never out of the news, whether it's cycling, baseball, Olympic sports, or mixed martial arts. Interestingly, the use of steroids to boost human performance stretches back to ancient times. Written by a former professor of chemistry, Steroids and Doping in Sports: A Reference Handbook provides not only information about all aspects of performance-enhancing drugs in sport, but also supplies a thorough, scientific background about the drugs themselves-the chemistry and biology of steroids, what scientists have learned about these substances, and the specific ways in which they affect the human body. The author documents the cat-and-mouse actions of the athletes and those who supply them with performance-enhancing drugs to push the envelope, and of the sport and athletic groups-such as the NCAA and the International Cycling Union-that try to monitor and control such drug use. The work also includes a chapter containing snapshot profiles of many individuals involved in steroid use scandals and organizations with an interest in topics related to steroid abuse.* Provides an extensive history on the use of performance enhancing drugs in athletics and sports, as well as in everyday life, from ancient civilizations to the present day* Spotlights the current controversy regarding whether steroids should be permitted in sports competition* Presents an in-depth discussion of potential health and psychological effects of steroid use, and identifies the pro and con arguments concerning steroid use in sports, athletics, and other settings* Derives information from source documents on laws and court cases as well as reports on steroid use