Performance-Enhancing Drugs And It's Effect On Society
According to the North Carolina estimates of Substance Abuse, over 549,000 people over the age of twelve have used any type of illicit drug. If such a large number is found in just our state alone, consider the question of the number of drugs being abused in the country, even the world. Since Olympic and sport activity is such an international ordeal, the use of performance enhancing drugs is just as catastrophic as the use of any other pernicious drug would be. Due to the fact that athletes today are such a major influence on many citizens of the country, the U.S. Government should enforce and eliminate the use of performance enhancing drugs, instead of just monitoring and attempting to erase this dilemma as they do now.
Mainly focusing on the athlete’s influence on society, the publicity and stardom that these players receive may lead to a chasing lifestyle. The people that look up to these athletes are almost pushing them to perform at their best, predominately for their own satisfaction. To stay with what the public eye views them as, an athlete may turn to performance-enhancing drugs for guidance. Some examples of the high-and-mighty views that the fans give these players are shown during the social impact after scandals, retirements, injuries, etc. To keep a good character image, which may equal more money due to endorsements and contract extensions, it may be harder with the evolving competition. One evident example of this would be Barry Bonds breaking the Home-Run record, previously held by an All-American favorite Hank Aaron. Another would be Kobe Bryant’s Eighty-one point performance. Although the most points in a single game record haven’t been broken in the NBA, the fans may have opposing thoughts on this situation.
It's amazing what athletes will do to achieve higher levels of performance and to get an edge on the rivaled competition. Often people do not realize the long term effects that result from the decisions they make early...
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