Baseball has been on the forefront of the sports world when the notion of “performance-enhancing drugs” comes to mind. Giant players like Mark McGwire and Jose Conseco are the poster boys for the Steroid Era in baseball. Baseball players, however, are not the only ones that are using performance-enhancing drugs.

A Florida University surveyed 198 poker players about their drug habits. The results are very interesting. Poker players admitted to using drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and many prescription medicines. Most poker players admitted to taking these drugs to enhance their performance. At least one prescription medication was used by 28% of the test field with 73% of these players saying it was used to help them focus or concentrate. Another 34% of players reported marijuana use with 8% reporting cocaine use. The world’s most popular drug, caffeine, was used by 71% of players.

These results point to a poker player’s need for endurance and calming of nerves. However, should drugs be allowed? Should poker players be subject to drug testing? What are your thoughts? This study comes to light after Phil Laak’s record-breaking endurance test where he played over 100 consecutive hours poker, al naturale.