Beta Blockers Dilemma

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The beta blockers dilemma.
Beta blockers “are a class of drugs that work by blocking the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to receptors” (Bryg). When the above mentioned binding is blocked, the production of adrenaline is also stopped and as an effect, the individual taking the drug experiences a calming and relaxing effect that would enable them to go through some of the most stressful and nerve wrecking situations without breaking a sweat. “A 1987 study showed that 27 percent of us professional orchestra musicians were taking beta blockers occasionally to control their nerves.” (Singer).
While some people view the usage of beta blockers as a justifiable way to cope with stress and anxiety, others argue that beta blockers offer an additional advantage that is not uniform to all, especially in competitive sports or during auditions. They perceive them as performance enhancement drugs and therefore constitute cheating.
The controversy surrounding the use of these drugs has over the years escalated with the culmination …show more content…
Beta blockers have been frowned upon to the point that even the people using them are not comfortable admitting to their usage. According to Ruth Ann McClain, who taught at Rhodes College in Memphis, “many people use them in the U.S, very few openly ever admit to that fact.” (Engelke and Ewell) “In a Us report in January this year a senior violin tutor from the university of Minnesota school of music suggested that between 80 and 90 per cent of professional musicians take them before orchestra audition.” (Singer). Although the assertions did not have any proof to back them up, it at least shows that these drugs are being used by a good portion of people. The question then becomes why so many people playing in professional symphony orchestras would continue to use beta blockers despite the negative perception that surrounds
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