Androgenic-Anabolic Steroids Are Drugs...
Androgenic-Anabolic steroids are man-made drugs whose
actions mimic those of the natural male hormone testosterone. These
steroids have two main effects: masculinizing (Androgenic) effects and
tissue building (anabolic) effects. They are designed to affect the
growth of the male reproductive system, growth of body hair, and deepening
of the voice and to stimulate the development of bone, muscle, and skin.
Androgenic-Anabolic steroids are used in medical treatment of asthma,
arthritis, breast cancer, injuries, growth problems, and chemotherapy.
When used without the instructions of a doctor, however, they can cause
long-term or irreversible problems.
Steroids and Athletic Performance...
Steroids do appear to increase muscle mass, strength,
and endurance. However, athletic ability also depends on skill,
mental alertness, diet, rest, cardiovascular health, and genetic
inheritance. The misuse of steroids may lead to health conditions
such as liver tumors, jaundice, fluid retention, and high blood
pressure. Experts in sports medicine agree that using steroids
poses unacceptable health risks to the athlete.
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Steroids Are Controlled Substances...
In 1991, steroids were classified as a "controlled substance,"
which means that the manufacture, distribution, and possession of the
drugs for use carry tough legal penalties under federal law. The maximum
penalty for trafficking and illegal dispensing is five years in prison
and a fine of $250,000. Several states have enacted even more stringent
controls on these drugs. In addition, steroid use has been banned from
sports competitions since it was officially outlawed at the 1973 Olympic
Games.
Steroids Are Dangerous...
Males who use steroids improperly may experience shrinking
testicles, low sperm counts, infertility, baldness and enlarged nipples.
Females who use steroids improperly may report deepening of the voice,
development of facial hair, menstrual irregularities, and irreversible
male pattern baldness. Steroid misuse may also results in premature
halting of bone growth in young people before they reach their full
height, increased problems with acne, and psychological effects, such
as inappropriate anger, destructive (including suicidal) behavior, depression,
paranoia, and uncontrollable violence. Sharing unsterile needles for
injecting steroids increases the risk of HIV infection.
Using Steroids is Cheating...
The pressure to win may be great, especially if steroids
are used by competitors. However, the use of any chemical to gain an
advantage over another player is a violation of fair play. For this
reason, most sports organizations condemn steroid use. Athletes who
cheat by using steroids risk more than being caught. Their careers may
be short-lived and plagued with health and psychological problems. Some
athletes might be willing to give up good health and careers for a few
chances to win. Others with proper nutrition and training, achieve the
same strength gains over time without the side effects of steroids.
Steroids Are Abused...
The beginning steroid abuser is typically an 18-year-old
male who wants to enhance his muscular appearance. Abusers may take
many different steroids at once, or one after the other, or take steroids
in combination with other illegal drugs. Steroids are usually taken
in doses that are two to 200 times higher than medically recommended.
Steroids manufactured for non-medical use are often impure, mislabeled,
extremely hazardous or simply bogus.
Remember...
Steroids are Androgenic-Anabolic drugs with serious
side effects. It is estimated that up to one million people in
the U.S. take steroids for non-medical reasons. The non-medical
use of steroids has been condemned by the American Medical Association,
the American College Health Association, the American Academy
of Pediatrics, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National
Strength and Conditioning Association, the National Collegiate
Athletic Association, the National Football League, and the United
States and International Olympic Committees.
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