Drug use among Maltese sportsmen and gym members : a serious, unaddressed crisis : a personal view

Abstract

Performance enhancing drugs and recreational drug use is rife locally. This is clearly observed when engaging in conversation with those who practise sport and with gym attendees. The pervasive nonchalance with which these people use these substances to perform, look or simply feel better is alarming. This article attempts to give an insight into the present doping situation from the eyes of the author who has more than 15 years’ experience in the health and fitness field. The author also attempts to give reasons why such drugs are used with recreational drugs and their relationship to the social scene. Other aspects tackled in this article include: legislation, the types of drugs used, their devastating effects on the body and mind as well as the thought processes of those taking them. Finally, a plan on how to tackle this challenge locally is suggested.