[Doping--also a problem in general practice?].

In 1986, the Medical Commission of the IOC defined doping as the use of pharmacological substances belonging to disallowed groups of active substances (stimulants, narcotics, anabolic steroids, beta-blockers, diuretics). With certain restrictions, this applies also to alcohol, local anesthetics and corticosteroids. The use of disallowed methods (blood doping, manipulation of a urine sample) is also forbidden. These days the greatest importance is attached to anabolic steroids (including testosterone), since these substances--discontinued in good time--cannot be detected on the day of competition but still have a promoting effect on performance. Competitive sports prepared the way here for the use of anabolic steroids in general athletics and in particular usually non-olympic sports (such as bodybuilding). Against this background, effects, adverse effects and the risks of anabolic steroid use are discussed. The aim must be to prevent the use of doping, especially in uncontrollable general sports, by promoting proper awareness.