Smith_CogEnhanSubs_SUM_FINAL_MS.pdf (271.05 kB)
Cognitive enhancing drugs in sport: Current and future concerns
journal contribution
posted on 2020-06-18, 08:26 authored by Aaron SmithAaron Smith, Constantino Stavros, Kate WestbergBackground: Sporting authorities and policy makers have warned of a radical increase in the availability and use of so-called ‘smart’ drugs, which putatively deliver cognitive enhancements in the form of improved focus, concentration, alertness, and rapid decision-making. Although the potential for health risks is well documented when it comes to performance enhancing drugs in sport, the health implications of cognitive enhancing drugs (CEDs) remain unclear. Objectives: This article aims to provide a foundational understanding about CEDs and their application in sport. It considers what little is known about the types, nature, impact, and implications of their use for athletes and sport policy. Method: A narrative literature review was undertaken to ascertain the emerging role of CEDs beyond their clinical use to treat prescribed disorders, including the limited studies in the sporting domain. This review also considered literature pertinent to the impact of CEDs in sport and the challenges for sport policy. Results: Given the prospects of negative health impacts, policy-makers interested in preventing and controlling the use of CEDs, as well as reducing harm to athletes at all levels of performance, need guidance. This article highlights multi-faceted concerns and shines a spotlight on key issues for sporting bodies to consider regarding the critical impact that widespread use and adoption of these substances might entail. Conclusion: While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is seemingly awake to the threat posed, actions to circumvent the spread of CEDs throughout sport are nascent and require greater understanding and attention.
Funding
Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Australia
History
School
- Loughborough University London
Published in
Substance Use & MisuseVolume
55Issue
12Pages
2064 - 2075Publisher
Taylor and FrancisVersion
- AM (Accepted Manuscript)
Rights holder
© Taylor and FrancisPublisher statement
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Substance Use & Misuse on 11 Jun 2020, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2020.1775652Publication date
2020-06-11ISSN
1082-6084eISSN
1532-2491Publisher version
Language
- en
Depositor
Prof Aaron Smith Deposit date: 17 June 2020Usage metrics
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