Steroids
... A common practices among athletes our anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are a quick way for an athlete to achieve their results necessary to win. ... Steroids can be extremely dangerous if not taken correctly or with care. To understand steroids you need to know what they do and how they build muscle. Anabolic steroids are natural hormones produced by the body that help build muscle. ... Large amounts of steroids are only needed in the body at three points in a male’s life. ... The problem of steroid abuse starts when people use artificial anabolic steroids to increase their testosterone levels. ... Steroids, like any other drug put into the body, has side effects. The reason why most people use anabolic steroids is for the growth in their muscles and increased strength. ... Bodybuilders are the most common group to use steroids. ... Lukas states “Steroids are used most commonly among bodybuilders and power lifters. Over 50 percent of male bodybuilders have reported using steroids” (15). Besides bodybuilders, other athletes also use steroids. The number of high school athletes who use steroids is also on the rise. ... Kuhn states “Use of anabolic steroids began with elite athletes, but today it includes even high school students who are taking anabolic steroids for cosmetic purposes. ... For some obvious reasons Steroids are very popular among athletes and other individuals looking to get a quick physical gain. ... With the use of steroids the body can produce much more protein to help build muscles at a much faster rate. ... Steroids increase the production of protein, but they also block the breakdown of older muscles. ... This effect to increase size and weight is the major reason that nonathletes take steroids” (37). Steroids also keep the body from breaking down muscles, which in turn makes the muscle grow faster. ... However steroids block the breakdown of existing muscle.