Inadvertent Doping
The Hidden Risk Every Athlete Must Know

By Nima Gyeltshen, Clean Sports Educator

What is Inadvertent Doping in Sports?

Doping in sports is often associated with intentional cheating, but did you know that athletes can also fail doping tests by accident? This is known as inadvertent doping, where an athlete unknowingly consumes a prohibited substance listed in the WADA Prohibited List. Unfortunately, regardless of intent, athletes can face serious consequences, including bans from competition under the World Anti-Doping Rules (WADR) 2021 and the Bhutan Anti-Doping Rules (BADR) 2021.

Why Does Inadvertent Doping Happen?

Despite being unintentional, athletes are held responsible under the Principle of Strict Liability, which means that they are accountable for anything found in their body, even if consumed unknowingly. This makes awareness and caution essential.  Here are some of the common causes of inadvertent doping:

Medications

• Some prescription and over-the-counter medications contain prohibited substances.
• Common medications for pain relief, colds, asthma, heart conditions, blood pressure, and diuretics may have banned ingredients.

Tip: Always check if a medication is banned before use.

Contaminated Supplements

• Some dietary supplements may contain undisclosed banned substances due to poor manufacturing practices.
• Labels may not list all ingredients, leading to accidental violations.

Tip: Choose supplements that are batch-tested and certified by trusted agencies.

Contaminated Food or Drinks

• Some meat products may be treated with growth hormones or other prohibited substances.
• Traditional herbal remedies may contain banned stimulants.

Tip: Be mindful of where your food comes from and check the ingredients of any supplements or herbal products.

Lifestyle Choices

• Engaging in risky behaviors, such as consuming unknown drinks or unverified products, can result in inadvertent doping.

Tip: Maintain a clean, disciplined lifestyle to minimize risks.

Lack of Awareness

• Some athletes fail doping tests simply because they did not know that a substance was banned.
• Anti-doping regulations are updated regularly, and staying informed is crucial.

Tip: Keep yourself updated with the latest WADA Prohibited List.

What Are the Consequences?

Even if doping is accidental, the consequences can be severe. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Strict Liability Rule :The athlete is responsible for any prohibited substance found in their sample, regardless of intent.
• Bans & Sanctions : Depending on the violation, punishments range from a warning to a multi-year ban from sports.
• Reputational Damage : A positive test can harm an athlete’s career, endorsements, and credibility. It can also negatively impact teams and countries, as all anti-doping violations must be publicly disclosed.
• Financial Loss: A ban means loss of sponsorships, earnings, and training investments.
• Impact on Team Performance: In team sports, the absence of a key player can disrupt strategy and weaken performance.

How Can Athletes Prevent Inadvertent Doping?

Athletes can take several proactive steps to avoid inadvertent doping. First, they should always remember that they are subject to anti-doping testing at any time, anywhere. Violations can result not only from testing but also from investigations. To stay safe, athletes must check their medications before use. Always verify if a medication is banned by using tools like the Global DRO App or referring to the latest WADA Prohibited List.

Caution is also necessary when consuming dietary supplements. Since some may contain undisclosed banned substances, athletes should choose batch-tested supplements from trusted brands. Similarly, herbal remedies and traditional medicines can sometimes contain prohibited substances, so extra care is needed. Maintaining a clean lifestyle is another key factor. Athletes should avoid risky behaviors that might lead to accidental exposure to banned substances. Additionally, they should seek professional advice from qualified medical and anti-doping experts before taking any supplements or medications.

Education is essential in preventing inadvertent doping. Athletes should regularly update themselves on anti-doping regulations to stay informed about changes in prohibited substances and testing protocols. Finally, for those who require a banned substance for medical reasons, they must obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) in advance to comply with regulations while ensuring their health needs are met.

Real-Life Cases of Inadvertent Doping

Here are some high-profile athletes who faced bans due to inadvertent doping:

📌 Maria Sharapova (Russia, Tennis) – 2016

• Banned for 15 months after testing positive for meldonium, which was recently added to the banned list.
• Claimed she had used the drug for years and was unaware of the rule change. (Source: BBC Sport, 2016)

📌 Diana Taurasi (USA, Basketball) – 2010

• Tested positive for modafinil, a stimulant used for narcolepsy.
• Claimed it was unknowingly consumed through a supplement.
• Ban reduced to 6 months due to lack of intent. (Source: WNBA, USADA)

📌 Shayna Jack (Australia, Swimming) – 2020

• Banned for 2 years after testing positive for Ligandrol.
• CAS confirmed the result but stated there was no evidence of intentional doping. (Source: ABC News, 2020)

Inadvertent doping can happen to any athlete, but with the right knowledge and precautions, it can be avoided. Being mindful of what you consume, staying updated on anti-doping rules, and making responsible choices are crucial steps in protecting your career and the integrity of sports.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and compete with integrity!