© SWEDISH NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH, ÖSTERSUND 2010
Forword
Just over 20 years ago, it became apparent that doping agents were also being used outside sports for reasons other than improving athletic performance. These problems ended up in the lime light, a law was passed to regulate use and authorities,
including the Swedish National Institute of Public Health (under a slightly different name at the time), devoted more focus to the issue for a few years. Activities conducted by society with regard to doping have since decreased. In order to take stock of the state of knowledge regarding the spread and consequences of doping as well as of what prevention efforts are being pursued, the
Swedish National Institute of Public Health conducted an inventory that resulted in the swedish version (R 2009:15) of the english translated review you have in hand. The topics covered include an overview of the medical, social medicine, sociological and legal aspects in the area.
The review begins by describing the law that regulates the handling of doping agents, as well as how users get hold of them. The discussion covers the current differences of opinion as to how widespread the use of doping agents is, and available data is presented for both the general population and individual groups. The underlying reasons for using doping agents are described, as well as the identified risk factors. In addition, available knowledge is presented with regard to patterns of use, including the mixed drug abuse that exists. The known physical, mental and social effects are presented, including the connection to aggressive behaviour and violence. The latter section of the report describes the prevention work under aimed at limiting use and concludes with a discussion of the treatment situation in Sweden.
