The use of Image and Performance-Enhancing Drugs (IPED) in behavioural addictions
Publication Name: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background and aims: Digitalisation and rapid technological advancements have intensified socio-cultural pressures surrounding body ideals and performance, contributing to the increased use of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPED). Body dissatisfaction, muscularity-oriented concerns, and distorted self-perception represent key drivers of this phenomenon and are further amplified by digital media, which increasingly promote IPED use. Although IPED use has been consistently associated with body image disturbances and eating-related psychopathology, its relationship with behavioural addictions remains largely underexplored. This represents a critical knowledge gap, given that IPEDs are often used to shape the body, regulate mood, sustain productivity, sharpen cognition, and intensify sexual experiences, all of which may contribute to compulsive patterns of behaviour. Methods: This narrative review synthesises existing literature examining IPED use in relation to behavioural addictions, including exercise addiction, eating disorders, work addiction, gaming disorder, gambling disorder, and compulsive sexual behaviour disorder. Results: Moving beyond traditional doping frameworks, it examines how IPED use is shaped by appearance-related disorders, compulsive behaviours, and social validation pressures. Particular attention is given to the role of digital environments and online fora in facilitating access to IPEDs, normalising their use, and interacting with reinforcement processes in these conditions. By integrating previously fragmented lines of research, the review proposes a novel framework that conceptualises IPED use as recurring across diverse behavioural addictions rather than an isolated phenomenon confined to sport. Discussion and conclusions: Understanding the mechanisms linking IPED use, behavioural addictions, and digital contexts is crucial for informing targeted public health strategies and the development of effective prevention and intervention approaches.
Open Access: Yes
Authors - 14
Ornella Corazza
35195582600
Bernadette Kun
35362222200
Zsolt Demetrovics
55882733400
Beáta Bőthe
56586220000
Thomas Zandonai
56712839600
Julius Burkauskas
56770016900
Orsolya Király
57000322900
Neil Gleason
57193734224
Fernando Fernández-Aranda
57220416973
Todd L. Jennings
57417010700
Andrea Czakó
58135719700
Ilaria De Luca
59317199700
Susana Jiménez-Murcia
7801631922
Attila Szabo
8719927800