Drugs are a Major Issue in Sport and Modern Society. Using Relevant Examples, Discuss how Thorough Policies are for eradicating this Problem.

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Drugs are a Major Issue in Sport and Modern Society. Using Relevant Examples, Discuss how Thorough Policies are for eradicating this Problem.

The use of drugs to assist sporting performance has a long history. From 400BC, the role of sport in Greek society was as prominent as today. Mass spectator sport was the order of the day and rich prizes for winners led to the demise of amateurism and the emergence of professional athletes. Victory in the ancient Olympics ensured rich rewards in the form of money, food, housing, tax exemptions and release from army service.

Not surprisingly, bribing and cheating became commonplace and there is evidence than competitors were willing to take performance-enhancing substances, including mushroom and plant extracts. Drug use was ultimately one of the major reasons for the dissolution of the ancient Olympic Games.

There is also evidence of drug taking in other ancient empires. In the Roman Empire, gladiatorial co petitions and chariot races were a major source of public entertainment. Chariot racers fed their horse substances to make them run aster, while many Gladiators were "doped up" to make their fights sufficiently vigorous and bloody for the paying audience.

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