Is it time for a new look at performance enhancing drugs? Should we make the drugs legal through prescription?
Look at any bodybuilding forum online and it is clear that their availability is widespread. If an athlete wants to use the drugs, he/she can. Their level of knowledge is quite impressive. Users combine multiple drugs to achieve the benefits while counteracting the side effects. Yet the manufacturing of the drugs can be suspect and their safety should be questioned.
But this knowledge comes from others’ trial and error and locker room talk. It would be safer for knowledgeable physicians to prescribe performance enhancing drugs. Physicians and pharmacists can monitor the long-term effects and ensure a safer supply of drugs.
I see performance enhancing drugs being especially important for motivating people to exercise. Why should we prescribe drugs like Lipitor to lower cholesterol but not prescribe drugs that will help and encourage people to exercise? The drugs can help people achieve and see results faster and encourage them to continue exercising.
