Drug abuse in sports: Central nervous system stimulants

Abstract

The availability of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants in ilicit markets has increased the possibility of drug abuse, either in social events, recreative sport practice or competitive sports. The major types of CNS stimulants currently abused in sports are amphetamines, cocaine, anorectic drugs, caffeine and ephedrine. These drugs confer a significative advantage margin in high intensity anaerobic exercise ad may postpone the onset of fatigue in long duration exercises. On the other hand, there is well documented information relating CNS stimulant abuse with cardiovascular damage and sudden death in sports. These findings emphasize the need to educate the general population, as well as leisure-time and competitive elite athletes about the dangers associated to CNS stimulant abuse.