For persons looking to increase sporting performance or to improve body image, access is obtained through a growing 'black market' which exists in health centres and gymnasiums. There can be serious side effects associated with the use of anabolic steroids. Some of these medications are banned. Others have certain restrictions applied to their use. Salbutamol, Salmeterol and Turbutaline are the only beta 2 agonists permitted and they are only permitted in inhaler form.
Diuretics increase urine production and can make an athlete susceptible to dehydration.
Diuretics are sometimes used by athletes to dilute their urine in an attempt to mask the use and avoid detection, of anabolic steroids. Analogues are substances that act in a similar way to hormones. Narcotic analgesics are strong painkillers and are usually only tested for in competition. A primary concern is that of athletes training or competing with an injury that requires regular and constant pain relief - perhaps the athlete would have a better result if the injury was treated with rest and an appropriate training program rather than with excessive drugs. Narcotics are potentially addictive.