Shockingly, more than 1.81 percent of professional athletes tested by the world anti-doping agency for drug consumption in the year 2016 tested positive for a drug overdose. Drug consumption by athletes is becoming a major concern. To effectively control this problem, drug testing in every sport is the only solution. 

In persuasion, here we have curated some of the benefits of drug testing in sports. 

Why do professional athletes do drugs?

Professional athletes are always under constant pressure to perform their best on the ground. So, to meet such expectations, they often do drugs to improve their strength. However, that is why they are doping tests are performed to stop them from consuming drugs which also tampers their health and overall well-being. 

Secondly, sometimes sports-related injuries can ruin their career and position on the team. So, to hide any physical problems or to delay treatments, they consume drugs that boost recovery and let them perform their best. 

Sometimes, professional athletes tend to lose their form for which they are criticized a lot. All of this leads to stress and anxiety in them. So, to boost their performance, they turn to drugs banned by the sports authorities. 

These are some of the reasons for professional athletes turning toward drug consumption. Earlier, drug testing wasn’t as common as it is today. 

Benefits of drug testing in sports 

1. Stops illegal drug use 

To perform exceptionally well on the grounds requires extensive and regular physical training along with a healthy diet. When athletes take better care of their health, they gain strength and so can perform well on the grounds. So, they are under constant pressure to perform well. However, every athlete is not able to handle the fame or stress that comes along the path. 

Marijuana and cocaine are a few of the recreational drugs which are considered to be performance-booster drugs. However, it negatively tampers the physical and mental health of the athletes. Of these two, marijuana is still legalized in many states of the United States, however, it is not at all suitable for professional athletes. 

Therefore, using doping tests in sports it is now possible to determine if the professional athlete has consumed illegal drugs. Furthermore, such athletes can be imposed bans or charges by the sports authorities to stop illegal drug use. 

2. Controls health risks 

While some do drugs for recreational fun, there is other professional sports person who consumes them to boost their strength, performance, and secure top positions in their respective teams. Often, their decision ends up risking their lives. 

Drugs build muscles and enhance strength and performance. However, drug consumption, in the long run, is extremely harmful to sports people. So, to prevent them from risking their lives, drug testing in sports was introduced. Using a drug testing kit, the authorities make out whether or not an individual athlete is under drug influence. If found guilty, they are fined and banned from the sports league. 

Some of the professional sports people who were banned from their respective sports for a certain period are:

• Michael Phelps: Olympics swimmer from the US; banned for 2 months upon testing positive for illegal drugs. 
• Marion Jones: After having won 3 gold medals and 2 bronze medals at the Olympics (2000) was asked to return her titles. 
• Dwain Chambers: Banned for 2 years 
• Lance Armstrong: Won the Tour de France race 7 years in a row. But he lost his title to illegal drug use. 

3. Promotes fair play 

Whether an amateur or a professional sports person, everyone is expected to showcase fair play by abiding by the rules of the sport. But, when any sports person is tested positive for illegal drug abuse to enhance strength and performance, they directly raise questions about the reputation and integrity of the sports. 

So, drug testing in sports was introduced to encourage fair play among sports people. It is the best way to ensure that no unfair and undue advantage is offered to the sports person trying to win the competition by indulging in any sort of unfair and illegal practices. 

Endnote 

No matter how efficient drug consumption enhances your strength and performance, it does impact your mental and physical health in the long run. So, to promote fair play among sports people, control health risks, and stop them from indulging in illegal drug use drug testing in sports is vital.