Anabolic Steroids
...tion has not been paid to the pre-adolescent population, unlike the high school and older populations. Because of this, the young group in America is ignorant while slipping into the habits of steroids. Information to prevent usage has been “inappropriate.” Thus often, adolescents do not understand the severity of steroid’s effects. “Children are more likely to experiment with something that they don’t understand as opposed to a subject about which they have sufficient knowledge.” [Article; Wroble, Gray, Rodrigo] Misuse of anabolic steroids is a complex problem. General solutions include education and motivation of athletes to avoid these drugs, state and federal regulations to limit their production and distribution, and unannounced drug testing of competitors. In hopes to perform better, improve appearance, and other athletic reasons, steroids have many terrible effects. The side effects of anabolic steroids are serious and not uncommon. Some side effects are reversible but some cause permanent damage. Anabolic steroids are designed to mimic the body building traits of testosterone while minimizing its "masculinizing" effects. Bad blood cholesterol levels occur, causing heart attacks and strokes. The liver, which detoxifies harmful substances in the body, is more at risk for disorders. Psychologically, steroid usage causes irritability, anger, mania, psychosis, and major depression. Psychological and physical dependence occurs with continual use of high doses. Also, there are serious alterations in the reproductive systems and sex hormones; these include increased erectile dysfunction, and impotence, even though sexual desire is increased. Breast enlargement is a condition that is generally irreversible and plastic surgery would be required to remove the breasts. The female on steroids would have little or no chance of fertility for future hoped pregnancies. Also, enlargement of external genitalia and hair growth in females occurs. Atrophy; (shrinkage of the testicles) can occur and is reported usually with high dose use of anabolic steroids. In adolescents, stunted growth; even small doses can irreversibly affect growth. Water retention, and deepening voice in the female. Acne is a clear effect, as well as breath odor. To distinctively recognize usage, swelling in body limbs and feet is the last of these serious effects. The important knowledge of these dangerous side effects must come from a greater number than only less than ˝ of our parents, coaches, teachers, athletic trainers, etc. The primary source of information about steroids is hitting pre-adolescents from printed material. This is clearly unacceptable, while educational programs are effective against other forms of drug use, so should education against anabolic steroids. This is the message of the article...