Androgen Receptors
Former anabolic steroid users have more androgen receptors
than untrained individuals and drug free powerlifters. Powerlifter
had more androgen receptors that the untrained individuals (Kadi
2000).
Meaning of Natural
Before the 1960s, "Natural" used to refer to someone
who did not train with weights, but appeared athletic. After
the 1960s, "Natural" it slowly began to take on a different
meaning.
Sports Publications' Non-disclosure Motivated by Ad Revenues
Bodybuilding and sports magazine publishers have much to gain
by not opening reporting the widespread use of drugs in the sports
in which they cover. Particular publishers stand to gain when
their readers buy into the idea that they too can be like the
champions that they see in their publication; if only they work
hard enough, follow these champions' programs outlined in publishers'
articles, and purchase the nutritional supplements, equipment,
etc. as seen in the advertisements. The ads for these products
are typically either accompanied by a scientific studies taken
out of context or an impressive looking model or champion compensated
for their endorsement. The message is basically, "You too
can be like these champions if you continue to (A) work hard
enough and (B) buy XY&Z".
Honest Dialog about Drugs in Sports
 Talking honestly
to an aspiring athlete about drugs in sports is quite difficult
and can even be considered taboo. Without this discussion an
athlete is left buying into the idea that they can achieve the
same accomplishments as those highest in the sport who use drugs.
Sports publications often propitiate this misconceived notion.
Presenting only a single-sided anti-drug propaganda message
does not appear to be effective in reducing the use of drugs
and risks the credibility of the presenter and who they represent
in the eyes of the aspiring athlete. This lack of trust alienates
authority, thereby severely reducing the likelihood the athlete
would every reconsider seeking future assistance from these people
in the future.
Also see Problems with Current
Information on Anabolic Steroids.
Drugs Make Champions?
If sports enhancing drugs make champion athletes, why don't
all those individuals that use sports enhancing drugs become
champions?
Sociology of Drugs
Drugs can pass through several levels of use and social acceptance.
- Benefits and miracles of new drug spread
- Possible harmful effects and cases of abuse are discovered
and reported
- Propaganda: demonized through misinformation and half truths
- Drug becomes illicit or controlled by governmental regulations
- Use and/or possession of drug becomes a crime
- Blackmarket
- Drug is obtained and used covertly
- Drug is manufactured with no governmental regulation
- Counterfeiting and use of potentially more dangerous substances
or manufacturing practices
- Social deviant involvement
- Renaissance
- social and political stigma clears
- possible benefits and potential harmful effects are seen
more objectively
- other applications are found or rediscovered
- Social Acceptance
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