Everything Everywhere Daily

Performance Enhancing Drugs and Substances

Jan 22, 2025

Dive into the fascinating world of performance-enhancing drugs and their significant impact on sports. Discover how these substances offer athletes an alluring advantage and the ethical dilemmas they pose. Unearth the rich history of doping, from ancient practices to modern controversies, and learn about the ongoing battle between athletes and regulatory bodies. Get ready for an intriguing exploration of a topic that continues to stir debate in athletic circles!

17:30

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Quick takeaways

Performance-enhancing drugs have been utilized for over 2,700 years, evolving from ancient substances to modern anabolic steroids that significantly boost athletic performance.

The introduction of drug testing and increased regulation in the 1960s was prompted by growing awareness of the serious health risks associated with PEDs, particularly following high-profile doping scandals.

Deep dives

Historical Context of Performance-Enhancing Drugs

The use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) dates back at least 2,700 years, with athletes in ancient Greece consuming various substances believed to enhance their performance. Throughout history, substances such as hallucinogenic mushrooms and animal testicles were believed to provide physical advantages. As sports evolved, athletes began using stimulants like caffeine and cocaine to improve stamina. The understanding of human biology and chemistry advanced significantly in the 20th century, leading to the isolation and synthesis of testosterone and its derivatives, which laid the groundwork for modern anabolic steroids.

The Controversial World of Performance-Enhancing Drugs

3min

The Persistent Saga of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports

15min

One of the biggest controversies in the world of sports over the last several decades has been the use of performance-enhancing drugs and substances, or PEDs.

It seems as if there hasn’t been a single sport that hasn’t been touched in some way by the use of PEDs.

But what exactly are PEDs, and how do they give athletes an advantage? Do they really work, and if they do, just how big of an advantage do they give?

Learn more about performance-enhancing drugs and how they have impacted the world of sports on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily.

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