The use of performance enhancing substances is a worldwide problem not just in professional sports, but also in recreational one. Doping in sports violates the principles of fair play and poses a real threat to the health of athletes, being associated with cardiovascular, neurological and mental disorders. Adolescents represent the most vulnerable group in terms of doping behaviors, both due to the increased health risks, but also psychological factors. Given the lack of extensive scientific data on the use of performance enhancing substances and methods among Moldovan athletes, we conducted a pilot study to elucidate certain components of the doping phenomenon among young elite athletes enrolled in two sports schools in the Republic of Moldova. The findings of the study show a significant degree of doping related behaviors and doping intentions among young athletes, limited knowledge about the health risks associated to doping and insufficient qualified medical assistance of young athletes.