Projects
Multimedia Prevention Campaign on the Use of Performance Enhancement Drugs in Sport
The project is funded by the Ministry of Health - Section for Doping Surveillance and Control and for Health Protection in Sports Activities of the Technical Health Committee.
Background
Substance abuse in a country reflects a complex system influenced by various factors, such as the availability and cost of substances, prevention policies, and anti-drug legislation.
Additionally, cultural context and lifestyles play an increasingly significant role. In recent years, the adoption of fast-paced and sometimes unsustainable lifestyles has led individuals to push beyond natural physical limits (sleep, appetite, desire, self-image), increasing the risk of using medications or other substances of abuse known as Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) or "lifestyle drugs" to seemingly improve daily or athletic performance. Substance use is also associated with other compulsive behaviors (e.g., gambling or shopping), including exercise addiction—a genuine loss of control over exercising, characterized by obsessive practice.
What was the objective?
The objective was to develop and evaluate an anti-doping campaign aimed at raising awareness, especially among young people, about PEDs, substance abuse among athletes, and health-risk behaviors (e.g., exercise addiction and body image perception).
What did we do?
The prevention campaign was based on the production of five video clips created through the collaboration of researchers, artists, and young athletes. The goal was to share an innovative message grounded in the latest research, enriched by creative input in terms of visuals and sound, and reflections from young athletes, who are often the target of PED advertising online.
In the first phase, a "working group" of researchers, artists, and young athletes was formed to outline the main topics to be addressed. Subsequently, five videos were created. Filming took place in Trentino (MART in Rovereto, MUSE in Trento, etc.), with the participation of elite athletes, students from the University of Trento, and experts on the discussed topics. In the second phase, the campaign videos will be evaluated among high school students and athletes.
Dissemination strategy
The materials will be distributed across various social media platforms (X, Instagram, Facebook, Reels, etc.) of sports associations and other channels, with the support of the Italian Sports Medical Federation (FMSI), Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), Italian National Antidoping Organization (NADO), the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Committee, and national sports and health associations. Additionally, the International Society for the Study of Emerging Drugs (ISSED), chaired by Prof. Corazza, will enable widespread international reach. The videos will also be used as educational and training material in schools, universities, and sports associations, and they will be shown at sporting events such as the Trento Sport Festival and other national-level events.
New Addictions: Risks, Prevention, and Comorbidity
The project is funded by Caritro Foundation
Investigating IPED Use: Risks, Motivations, and Prevention
In today’s society, the pursuit of an ideal physical appearance and the desire to perform at one's best may drive individuals towards behaviors that can have significant health implications. One such behavior is the use of substances and products to reach better standards as Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs). Among the most well-known IPEDs are drugs that augment muscle structure and function, such as anabolic steroids and hormones, as well as weight-loss medications like orlistat and sibutramine, which are used to reduce body fat. The unsupervised use of these substances without medical consultation and prescription can lead to serious health consequences. Additionally, the category of IPEDs includes an expanding range of fitness supplements and other performance enhancers that, despite being marketed as safer alternatives, may still present side effects. The continuous growth in the variety of these products underscores the need for thorough investigations into their potential adverse effects and the motivation for their use.
Current Landscape in Trentino Alto Adige
To date, there has been no comprehensive mapping of IPED use in the Trentino Alto Adige region. This gap highlights the need for systematic research to understand the prevalence, patterns, and impacts of IPED consumption at the local level to compare the data to a national and international level.
The Addiction Science Lab team aims to shed light on the issue by focusing on the following objectives:
Investigate IPED and Fitness Product Use:
Examine the variety and prevalence of IPEDs and fitness products used in Trentino;
Collect Information on Potential Side Effects and Health Risks:
Document and analyze adverse effects and emerging health risks associated with IPED use;
Identify At-Risk Categories and Psychological Traits:
Determine which demographic groups and psychological profiles are most vulnerable to unmonitored and uncontrolled IPED use;
Monitor Social Media Marketing Tactics:
Analyze how IPEDs are promoted and sold online to understand and counteract misleading marketing strategies;
Develop a Multidisciplinary Prevention Strategy:
Collaborate with local healthcare providers and sports organizations to create effective strategies for preventing IPED misuse.
By mapping the use of IPEDs in Trentino Alto Adige, our project aims to provide data that will inform prevention efforts and policy-making. Through collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach, we strive to mitigate potential health risks associated with IPED use and promote a healthier, well-informed community.
This project is funded by Fondazione CARITRO
Protective Factors against Doping in Elite Sport in the PAN-RADO Region: An Investigation of Self-Compassion and Mindfulness
The project is funded by World Antidoping Agency (WADA)
Study background and rationale
Through rigorous training programs, athletes develop strength, endurance, and skill, enabling them to achieve peak performance levels. However, many athletes turn to doping to gain a competitive advantage, often driven by the pressure to excel, financial incentives, or, among others, promote steadier recovery after injury. Organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) play a crucial role in combating doping by establishing regulations, conducting testing, and promoting clean sport initiatives worldwide. While most research has focused on identifying factors that contribute to doping behaviors, it is equally important to explore protective factors that may reduce susceptibility to doping. Understanding these protective factors can inform the development of targeted interventions and educational programs to support athletes in maintaining their integrity and well-being throughout their careers.
Study aims and research questions
The aim of this pilot study is to assess, for the first time in Spanish-speaking athletes in Panama and in the more extended PAN-RADO region, the effects of positive psychological characteristics (mindfulness and self-acceptance) as protective factors against doping susceptibility and the mental health of athletes. Specifically, we will investigate 1. how sport-related stressors are associated with doping susceptibility, 2. how sport-related stressors and doping susceptibility are associated with athletes’ mental health and 3. what the effects of positive psychological characteristics (i.e., dispositional mindfulness and self-acceptance) on the relationship between sport-related stressors, doping susceptibility, and mental health are.
Methodology
Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee at the University of Trento, Italy. This pilot study runs in collaboration with the WADA and has a duration of 6 months, during which at least 100 responses will be collected. An online questionnaire was designed in Spanish and will be distributed among elite athletes via Sport Federations and other channels. The survey lasts about 20 minutes and can be completed by elite athletes older than 18 years old in the PAN-RADO region. Validated questionnaires are used to investigate athlete’s mental health and their predispisitions to doping, positive psychological characteristics and doping-related outcomes.
