S7. Narcotics

What are narcotics?

Narcotics are derived from the opium poppy and include the commonly known painkillers morphine, diamorphine and pethidine.

Medical uses of narcotics

Narcotics are used in medicine to reduce moderate to severe pain.

Effects on performance

Narcotics have no ergogenic or performance enhancing qualities. Athletes use narcotics to mask pain caused by musculoskeletal injury, allowing them to compete and it is for this reason that they are listed as prohibited substances in-competition but are permitted when out-of-competition.

Side-effects of narcotics

The side-effects of narcotics are:

• nausea; • vomiting; • dizziness; • addiction; • hypotension (low blood pressure); • drowsiness; • mood disturbances.

S6. Stimulants

Amphetamines

Cocaine

S8. Cannabinoids

S9. Glucocorticosteroids

Substances and methods prohibited at all times 

Substances and methods prohibited in-competition

Substances prohibited in particular sports