Use of Medications & Risks of Supplements

What every Go player should know about banned substances

Even in a mind sport like Go, athletes are subject to the same anti-doping rules as in any other sport. That means you’re responsible for everything you put in your body – even if it’s part of a routine treatment or over-the-counter supplement.

Medications

Some common prescription or over-the-counter medications may contain substances listed on the WADA Prohibited List. These can include:

• ADHD medications (such as those containing methylphenidate)
• Certain asthma inhalers
• Pain medications with codeine or morphine derivatives
• Anti-anxiety or sleep aids that may be classified as stimulants or narcotics

If you need medication to treat a legitimate medical condition, you may need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

Supplements

Dietary supplements can be risky – even those labeled ‘natural’ or ‘safe’. Some may:

• Contain undeclared prohibited substances
• Be cross-contaminated during manufacturing
• Use misleading marketing like ‘brain boosters’ or ‘focus enhancers’ without clinical validation

Because supplements are often not regulated like medicines, there’s no guarantee of what’s actually inside.

How to protect yourself

• Always check your medications and supplements before taking them
• Use trusted tools like Global DRO or your national anti-doping database
• When in doubt, consult your physician and the IGF Anti-Doping Officer
• Consider avoiding supplements altogether unless medically necessary

You are responsible for what’s in your system, even if you didn’t mean to take a banned substance.