Former Salford captain and coach Malcolm Alker has revealed he took the banned drug Human Growth Hormone during his career.
Alker, who was forced to retire through injury in 2010, made the revelations in an autobiography to be published next week.
The hooker, whose career ended in controversy after more than 350 appearances for the Reds, said he wanted to 'come clean' about his past.
"People may be thinking I've decided to bring out a book because I'm still bitter about how things worked out for me at Salford towards the end of my career. That's not true," Alker told the Manchester Evening News.
"The book is a real warts-and-all account of my life and my career. I said I wanted to go to the grave with a clear conscience and it tells of the mistakes that I've made in life.
"I once went a full season needing a shoulder reconstruction but battled on. I also underwent a course of human growth hormone.
"I became depressed but, by coming clean, I hope what I've revealed will see things improve within the game for player welfare.
"I'm also hoping that young players will take note, realise the pressures of professional rugby and the pitfalls and don't make the mistakes that I did."
Salford director of football Steve Simms said the club were unaware of any drug use by Alker during his time as a player.
"It's surprising and disappointing to hear those comments," Simms said. "Players are tested regularly and at random and they get caught sooner or later. It's a thorough and rigorous process."
A spokesman for the Rugby Football League said the allegations made by Alker have been passed on to the UK Anti-Doping agency for investigation.