"Silent Epidemic of Abuse" Pervades Sports In America

Problem Runs From Junior High Through the Pros. Say Authors of Book on Performance-Enhancing Drugs

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PHILADELPHIA, July 9, 1996 -- During this summer's Olympic games, no matter who the big winners are, it's almost certain that one of the continuing news stories will revolve around use of banned substances by athletes.

But what may be a much more important story has gone under-reported: the deliberate use of performance-enhancing drugs by athletes at all levels of competition in the United State. So suggest the authors of a new book, "Warning: Drugs in Sports -- A Handbook for Every Athlete and Parent" (published by Medical Surveillance, Inc.).

"Performance-enhancing drugs have penetrated college, high school and junior high/middle school athletics," explained co-author Dr. Andrew Ferko, associate professor of Pharmacology, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Philadelphia.

Though many sports programs have instituted drug screenings, they are often too narrow to catch most drugs or can't keep up with innovations in performance-enhancing drugs. For example, the drug Erythropoietin, used to increase the blood's ability to carry oxygen, will not be screened at the Olympics.

"What can be perceived as a way to excel in sports or every day life can easily ruin that life," Dr. Ferko explained. "When the ultimate goal of the drug-taking athlete is to win at any cost, those costs may be greater than the athlete realizes. He or she may literally be dying to win."

Dr. Ferko and his colleagues did not write the book only for Olympic and professional athletes. The authors sought to provide all levels of athletes, coaches and parents with substantial knowledge about how specific drugs work and the problems they can create. The misused drugs they cite are as common as coffee and as deadly as cocaine, because aside from use of illegal or clearly banned substances, athletes often misuse legal drugs -- such as caffeine and aspirin -- that can provide short term competitive benefits.

"These drugs are usually taken prior to vigorous workouts and training to enhance stamina or reduce the pain and soreness that is associated with strenuous exercise," explained co-author Dr. Edward Barbieri, associate professor of Pharmacology, Allegheny. And, innocuous as they may seem, the routine use of aspirin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs can create adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract such as gastric irritation, abdominal pain, ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding, he noted.

Another important issue the authors illustrate is how athletes may also inadvertently use a drug that is banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Those drugs are usually central nervous system stimulants, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (found in Robitussin-PE) and phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride (found in Triaminic Cold Tablets and weight control suppressants).

"Athletes often use these over-the-counter drugs for health reasons, unaware of the potential threat to their competitive status," said co-author Dr. John DiGregorio, professor of Pharmacology and Medicine, Allegheny.

Caffeine used by competitive athletes is considered illegal if the amount measured in the urine is greater then 12 micrograms/ML (about six to eight cups of coffee). "It is banned," Dr. DiGregorio noted, "because it can increase muscle contraction, improve performance, and increase the time to fatigue or exhaustion during prolonged moderate or intense exercise."

The authors believe it is important for athletes, coaches and parents to understand the full extent of the dangers and effects of drugs in sports. "Warning: Drugs in Sports" is an excellent guide for professionals and amateurs alike -- providing specific and practical guidance and information.

Contact: Merrill Meadow of Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, 215-762-8284, or e-mail, meadow@allegheny.edu