INTRODUCTIONThe use of performance-enhancing drugs is recognized as a serious problem in many sports, an issue which resulted in the creation of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in November 1999 Since WADA's inception, anti-doping efforts in professional sports have been significantly intensified and resources invested are increasing rapidly. However, despite measures to deter and detect doping, athletes continue to consume illicit substances. In fact, numerous surveys suggest that the use of performance-enhancing drugs has increased significantly over the past 50 years. This substantial increase could be attributed to developments in modern medicine during this period (Waddington, 2000). Although the incidence of substance use is likely to vary considerably between sports, it is clear that doping is widespread and in some sports many athletes are likely to use drugs that enhance performance (Hoberman, Wilson and Derse, 2001). In fact, evidence of substance use at lower levels of competition is increasing; young athletes, sub-elite and semi-elite athletes have all been associated with the use of performance-enhancing drugs (Buzzini, 2007; Donati, 2004). It has been suggested that some athletes are more likely than others to use substances at certain stages of their career, such as returning from injury, and would be willing to risk their long-term health by taking mood-enhancing substances. performance to succeed in their sport. and achieve a personal goal. Athletes constantly set goals and therefore make choices about how those goals are achieved. Health professionals, coaches, and even teammates could encourage athletes to use performance-enhancing subs...... middle of paper ...... rowing versus off-and-on sports starting such as golf and tennis).CONCLUSIONThe use of performance enhancing substances in sport constitutes a real problem. There are many models and theories aimed at better understanding the complexity of the problem and how best to manage it. However, as this study suggests, the focus has been narrowly limited to an analysis of data and statistical aspects of substance use and has not considered context. In conclusion, there has not been enough research that considers the contextual factors and pressures that affect athletes' beliefs and decision-making and how these factors can be managed to make substance use less appealing. The aim of this study is therefore to fill this gap. in researching and developing models of athlete behavior so that they can be rationalized and understood.