Using illegal activities to enhance your performance is Doping. Using an illicite substance is also a form of drug abuse. It is unfair, it is cheating and it can damage your health.
Athletes are responsible for the substances detected in their bodies, and should take care at all times about what they consume, medicines they take, or substances they are offered. If a physician prescribes a medicine for a specific medical condition, an athlete should question whether this medicine is prohibited, and if necessary apply for a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption).
The International Testing Agency has a useful guide for athletes, which explains how to Check your medication. You can also check with your National Anti-Doping Agency (NADO) or go directly to the GlobalDRO which is a great international online database.
Since 2004, and as mandated by World Anti-Doping Code, WADA has published an annual List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List).The List identifies the substances and methods prohibited in- and out-of-competition, and in particular sports. The substances and methods on the List are classified by different categories (e.g., steroids, stimulants, gene doping). It is the responsibility of all athletes, coaches and team managers to read and take into account the substances and methods listed. Ignorance of the list is not a valid excuse in anti-doping cases.
Download the 2023 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods which comes into force on 1st January 2023
Also available : Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes for the 2022 list
The List is available in several other languages: arabic, catalan, english, german, greek, japanese, latvian, spanish, turkish
In addition to the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, WADA also has a Monitoring Program which provides data for substances by sport, which are not on the Prohibited List, but that are monitored in order to detect patterns of misuse in sport; and, for potential inclusion on the Prohibited List. The following substances are on the 2022 Monitoring Program:
1. Anabolic Agents : In and Out-of-Competition: Ecdysterone
2. Beta-2 Agonists:In and Out-of-Competition: Salmeterol and vilanterol below the Minimum Reporting Level
3. Stimulants: In-Competition only: Bupropion, caffeine, nicotine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pipradrol and synephrine
4. Narcotics: In-Competition only: Codeine, hydrocodone and tramadol
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