Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Doping in Italy: An Analysis of its Spread in Ten Years

Filomena Mazzeo, Marcellino Monda, Giovanni Messina, Stefania Santamaria, Antonietta Messina, Maura Montesano, Vincenzo Monda and Domenico Tafuri

Aim: Doping affects the sport. Its explosive spread has triggered the response of sports’ and government’s institutions. The aims of this study were to know the spread of doping in Italy, what were the most used substances and/or method and in which sports it was more common. Moreover, what instruments were used to contrast it.

Methods: We have analysed the doping’s spread in Italy since 2003. The data come from the databases of government and sports Italians institutions. We have compared those data and focused our attention on substances and/or methods discovered in athletes. Furthermore, data’s combination showed the reason of drug addiction.

Results: In Italy, only 3% of checked athletes are doped, many of them are men and young athletes dope less than the older ones. Doped athletes play mainly cycling, athletics, swimming and football. The prominent peak of them is in the Central and Southern Italy in 2008 and 2010. Moreover, the analysis of data relating to galenic preparations declared during the year 2012, shows that 75% of the prescribed substances are diuretics and masking agents, anabolic steroids and stimulant. Regarding the substances, cannabinoids and stimulants have recorded the highest consumption.

Conclusion: The data show only the tip of the iceberg due to doping’s secrecy. Every substance that give pleasant sensations or help the subject in his activity will bring him to repeat the consumption. Frequently, new substances and methods are discovered. For this reason, to contrast this phenomenon, there are legislation instruments together with various funded projects.