Lance Armstrong Admits to Doping

Over the last few years, Lance Armstrong has repeatedly denied all charges of doping during his biking career – and the charges came thick and fast from multiple legal entities. Ultimately, the World Anti-Doping Agency stripped him of his seven Tour de France titles though he never confessed. But in an Oprah interview that will air over two nights, Armstrong has reportedly come clean, apologizing to many of his staffers and to fans for his use of performance enhancing substances during his career.

Drug Use for Performance Enhancement

Whatever your opinion of Lance Armstrong, the incident highlights a growing problem in our country. Use of performance enhancing substances has plagued sports like weight lifting, wrestling, and baseball for years, and it’s an issue that is slowly spreading to all areas where performance ability is measured. Even high school students striving to score well on the SAT, maintain leadership positions in extracurricular activities, and make As in advanced placement classes abuse stimulant drugs like Adderall or crystal meth. College students and entry-level professionals continue the trend as they attempt to establish themselves in the business world. In addition to the risks that come with drug abuse, the use of performance enhancing substances in any competitive environment sets a standard that makes it next to impossible for non-drug users to beat.

Competitive Women

Whether it’s in the workplace or at home, women are struggling with the use of drugs to increase their ability to meet the expectations and standards that they perceive are requirements to do well in life. In the workplace, women often feel that they have to do better than men in order to gain half the recognition. At home, women struggle to manage everyone’s diverse schedules, the finances, and maintain the home in a way that is receptive to guests as well as family. It’s not easy and turning to stimulant medications and other drugs often feels like the only recourse.

Asking for Help

Even more difficult? Admitting to drug use and asking for the help necessary to return to healthful living. Because this includes changing the definition of success, it’s often a long-term process that starts with drug detox and continues through intensive psychotherapeutic treatment and aftercare support.

If you are struggling with drug use in an attempt to keep your head above water at work or at home, we can help here at The Orchid. Our woman-centered drug addiction recovery program is designed to help you learn how to handle the challenges you face without the use of drugs or alcohol. Call now to learn more about ou