Drug Testing, Professional Athletes (Overview)

Athletes may use both performance-enhancing and recreational drugs, and either or both types of drugs may be included in the banned list for a particular sport or governing body. Examples of recreational drugs include marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs that are taken for pleasure and may be prohibited for a variety of reasons, including illegality, addictive potential, and the possibility to cause harm to the user. Certain recreational and performance-enhancing drugs are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the international organization that enforces antidoping rules for the Olympics and other international [Page 542]sporting events. In the United States, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and WADA are responsible for enforcing antidoping rules for U.S. athletes competing in the Olympics, the Paralympics, and other world games. ...