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)(2006)