People continue using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) despite harm because of a mix of psychological drivers, social pressures, and perceived short-term benefits, even when aware of long-term risks. Here’s a concise synthesis of why this happens, drawing on research and expert perspectives.
Core motivations
- The appeal of immediate gains
- PEDs can produce faster muscle growth, strength, and performance improvements, which athletes and exercisers may value highly in competitive contexts. This payoff can feel worth the potential costs in the moment.
- Body image and identity pressures
- Many users report distress about body image, a drive toward “optimal” physiques, and pressures around masculinity or athletic success. The resulting self-pressures can overshadow awareness of risks, especially among younger individuals.
- Social and cultural influences
- Peer norms, role models, and media portrayals can normalize PED use, making it seem ordinary or necessary to compete at high levels. Athletes’ behaviors often ripple to fans and peers, reinforcing the cycle of use.
- Habit formation and dependence
- Some PEDs can become habit-forming or lead to dependence, where the user continues despite adverse effects or warnings, creating a risk of ongoing use even after negative outcomes arise.
Perceived risks vs. benefits
- Short-term risk assessment
- Users may focus on short-term performance or cosmetic benefits while underestimating or rationalizing longer-term health risks, such as hormonal disruption, organ strain, or mood changes. This imbalance can delay recognition of harm.
- Health literacy and access to care
- Limited awareness of the full spectrum of risks or barriers to seeking help (stigma, fear of sports sanctions, or lack of access to substance-use or mental-health resources) can hinder harm-reduction efforts.
Harm-reduction and prevention considerations
- Education and early intervention
- Programs that address body image concerns, healthy training practices, and media literacy may reduce susceptibility, particularly among youth and young athletes.
- Supportive environments
- Involving coaches, families, and peers in open conversations about pressures, risks, and healthier alternatives can shift norms away from PED use and reduce peer-driven uptake.
- Safe, evidence-based alternatives
- Emphasizing evidence-based training, nutrition, and recovery strategies can help individuals achieve performance goals without resorting to risky drugs. For some, medical supervision or guided care for underlying health issues may be necessary if PED use has begun.
Direct answer: People keep using PEDs because the lure of rapid performance gains, a strong drive to meet body-image and athletic ideals, and social influences often outweigh concerns about harm in the short term. Habit formation, misperceptions of risk, and barriers to accessing supportive resources further sustain use. Addressing these factors through education, supportive coaching, and accessible care can reduce demand and help individuals pursue safer paths to performance and well-being.
