Athletic Performance Enhancing Drugs
The AAFP is opposed to the use of drugs to enhance human athletic performance. The inappropriate use of drugs such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, human growth hormone, stimulants and diuretics can have adverse effects on the liver, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, and psychological state. Inappropriate use has resulted in death in a number of cases. The AAFP urges the use of such drugs only for accepted medical indications and only under the direct supervision of a medical professional. (1987) (1994) (2000) (2006)
These policies are provided only as assistance for physicians making clinical decisions regarding the care of their patients. As such, they cannot substitute for the individual judgment brought to each clinical situation by the patient’s family physician. As with all clinical reference resources, they reflect the best understanding of the science of medicine at the time of publication, but they should be used with the clear understanding that continued research may result in new knowledge and recommendations. These policies are only one element in the complex process of improving the health of America. To be effective, this policy must be implemented.
