Problem:
Read your post and classmates reply and respond to classmates recent question in one 150 word paragraph (your answer is yes, elaborate) with reference from 2024-2026 to explain/support. Cite and reference in APA 7th edition:
Your Post-
Individuals resort to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) for numerous reasons, including the wish to enhance physical capabilities, increase muscle mass, and achieve a competitive advantage in sports and fitness activities. The ambition to succeed, whether in professional or recreational environments, frequently drives athletes to seek out these substances. Additionally, societal and media depictions of idealized body images can contribute to a culture that values enhancement, further promoting their use (McCalla, 2024). Many users find themselves addicted to the outcomes of these drugs, which can lead to neglecting their overall health and well-being. The psychological dependence on PEDs arises in part from their ability to yield immediate results, which can be harmful to mental health and encourage further abuse (Levinthal, 2023). As users continue to pursue the high performance associated with these substances, they may develop a dependency, resulting in a cycle of use that is difficult to break. Thus, the issue is not only ethical but also involves potential addiction and its consequences on health and the lives of athletes as a whole. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Levinthal, C. (2023). Drugs, behavior, and modern society (9th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.
McCalla, S. A. (2024). The Ethics of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports. McFarland.
Classmate-
I really enjoyed your point about how societal and media depictions of idealized bodies drive this culture of enhancement. It's interesting to consider the ethical dilemma presented by McCalla (2024); when the 'win-at-all-costs' mentality becomes the standard, the line between healthy supplement use and PED abuse becomes incredibly blurred. It makes me wonder about the long-term psychological impact on an athlete's identity-if they feel they can only succeed through chemical help, it must be incredibly difficult to maintain self-worth once they stop using. As Levinthal (2023) notes, that cycle of use is hard to break because it's tied to their performance results. Do you think the immediate results you mentioned make it harder for counselors to convince clients to try natural, slower methods of improvement?