Doping in sport has been explored predominantly from a user-perspective, widely neglecting an analysis of the supply-side of the market for doping products. In this article, we aim to fill a gap in the existing literature by demonstrating that the supply chains of doping substances have evolved over the course of the past two decades, not least due to the zero tolerance approach of anti-doping policy. Specifically, adopting the case studies of (elite) cycling and recreational weight-training (RWT) and bodybuilding (BB), we outline how the supply chains for performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) have shifted away from “culturally embedded dealers” and into new organizational structures independent from these sub-cultures. We maintain that the evolution of doping supply mirrors the evolution of doping use; whereas doping was previously the result of a socialization process, and PIED suppliers were a cultural product, consumption is now often a secretive practice and “social suppliers” are no longer prepared to take risks in (openly) supplying doping products. Consequently, the increasingly clandestine nature of doping practices has led consumers to increasingly consider the “black market” as a potential source for PIEDs. Most importantly, this shift in doping supply chains has led to greater inequality among athletes, increased health risks and the rise of suppliers devoid of sociocultural characteristics. We suggest that as the current anti-doping regime, focused predominantly on punishment and control, continues unabated these unintended negative consequences are likely to increase. As several countries have begun to rethink their position on the criminalization of drugs and drug users, it is time to rethink our approach to curbing the problem of doping in sports.

The Symbiotic Evolution of Anti-Doping and Supply Chains of Doping Substances: How Criminal Networks May Benefit from Anti-Doping Policy

Performance and image enhancing drug interventions aimed at increasing knowledge among healthcare professionals (HCP): reflections on the implementation of the Dopinglinkki e-module in Europe and Australia in the HCP workforce

Testing the boundaries: Self-medicated testosterone replacement and why it is practised.

In looking to contextualize the implications of the increasing use of IPEDs, researchers have explored some of the operations of the market in these drugs, both at the local level, and online. Whilst these explorations have offered some much needed insight into this market, there remain aspects of the supply process that are still not fully understood. This paper offers an ethnographic narrative case study of a single steroid ‘brewing’ and supply operation in South-West England, in order to help contribute to understanding of this supply process, and the broader market for IPEDs. This research explores in turn how ‘drift’ into IPED supply occurs in the local market, how steroid powders are accessed online and imported for the purposes of local supply, the process by which these powders are ‘manufactured’ into injectable steroids locally, and finally the business and customer-oriented practices of the local market suppliers who distribute this finished product, and local market contexts. This paper builds on and supports the existing literature in this area, and contributes to knowledge by helping demystify some of the market operations relating to this level of IPED supply, which will help to inform future policy regarding harms of IPEDs, and regulation.

Inside a steroid ‘brewing’ and supply operation in South-West England: An ‘ethnographic narrative case study’

Bodily violations: testing citizens training recreationally in gyms: Ask Vest Christiansen

/pdf/commentary-steroid-madness-has-the-dark-side-of-anabolic-4bboru2ct5.pdf

Rick Collins

Papers

Commentary: Steroid Madness- has the dark side of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) been over-stated?