WADA classifies cocaine as an S6 stimulant and a Substance of Abuse.
It is prohibited during competition because it can enhance performance and pose serious health risks.
Why cocaine is prohibited in sport
Cocaine is prohibited in sport because it:
- may enhance performance
- poses health risks
- violates the spirit of sport.
Substance of Abuse category
WADA introduced the Substances of Abuse category to allow more flexibility in how athletes are sanctioned.
This is if the positive test is related to a substance of abuse or illicit drug, as opposed to an attempt to enhance performance.
Cocaine health risks
Cocaine is illegal and highly addictive.
It is a stimulant drug which speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and body.
It causes the release of high levels of dopamine.
Cocaine use increases:
- heart rate
- blood pressure
- body temperature.
It also suppresses hunger and fatigue. These effects can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, and even death.
Cardiovascular problems
Cocaine use can cause cardiovascular problems like:
- stroke
- aneurysms
- heart damage – especially risky during exercise.
In 2022, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre acknowledged a large increase in cocaine-related deaths in Australia since 2012.
There were 398 known deaths from 2017 to 2022.
Testing
Under WADA rules, Cocaine is only tested for during in-competition testing. This is doping control testing on a day when an athlete is competing.
Cocaine can stay in your system for some time. Detection times vary person to person can be affected by factors including body size and weight, metabolism, frequency of use and how cocaine was taken. Drinking alcohol with cocaine may also increase how long cocaine can be detected in the body. Athletes should not rely on previous drug or anti-doping test results to predict how long cocaine may remain detectable.
Your National Sporting Organisation may also test under separate illicit drug policies, which have their own rules and carry their own consequences.
Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs)
It is an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) to test positive for cocaine In-Competition, without a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
Testing positive is not the only way cocaine can lead to an ADRV. Anti-doping rules also cover conduct including Use, Attempted USE, Possession, Trafficking and Attempted Trafficking.
Penalties:
- up to 4 years ban
- reduced to 3 months if use was Out-of-Competition and not performance-related
- reduced to one month if athlete completes an approved Substance of Abuse treatment plan.
Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking can result in significantly more serious sanctions and can apply to both athletes and athlete support personnel, including coaches, managers and medical staff. Unlike cocaine use or possession, trafficking rules apply at all times, not only during the In-Competition period.
Under the current rules, Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking can result in a bane of between 4 years and lifetime ineligibility.
A treatment plan includes:
- medical practitioner consultation
- completion of an education program (at athlete’s cost).
Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)
If cocaine was prescribed by a medical practitioner for a legitimate therapeutic purpose with evidence – an athlete may be eligible to apply for a TUE.
In this case, the athlete must provide the required documentation, including a detailed clinical letter from their treating doctor or specialist.
If cocaine was consumed illegally, a TUE would not be issued.
Online education
We do not support illicit drug use.
We work with sports to promote safe and fair competition, including:
- free education for athletes
- resources and support to build positive sporting cultures