A lot of athletes are using steroids; why shouldn't I?

Anabolic steroids were at first used by adults athletes to improve their performance and give them an advantage when competing. However in recent years, some young people have been taking these substances. Using anabolic steroids can lead to serious medical and psychological complications. So it is important that you understand the consequences of taking steroids.

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are man-made substances related to testosterone. Testosterone is the male sex hormone that makes your bones grow and makes your muscles bigger and stronger. Testosterone also helps develop masculine features like facial hair and a deeper voice. Although it may take a little longer, you can get the same effects by following a supervised and safe weight training program and good nutrition.

Anabolic steroids are taken by mouth as tablets or capsules, by injection into muscles, or as gels or creams that are rubbed into the skin.ÂAnabolic steroids are available by prescription to treat specific medical conditions.ÂAnabolic steroids obtained illegally, without a doctor’s prescription, may be counterfeit (not the same as you would get from a doctor) and possibly impure.ÂPeople who abuse steroids may take doses up to 100 times greater than doses used for treating medical conditions.

Who uses anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroid users are not necessarily just professional athletes. You may be thinking of using steroids to change the way you look, and "bulk up" or build muscle to help you feel better about yourself. You may be thinking that you can become more popular and get more respect and sex appeal.

• Many thousands of young Canadians, mostly young men, between the ages of 11 and 18 report using anabolic steroids at least once.
• Most anabolic steroid users are male, white, middle class and age 14 or older. Most are involved in a regular physical activity or fitness/weight training program.
• Of those young Canadians who use anabolic steroids, about half use them to improve their performance in sports; almost as many use anabolic steroids to change the way they look.
• Women between the ages of 11 and 18 are less likely to use anabolic steroids. It's mainly a male issue.
  

Anabolic steroids have serious side effects. However, many of these effects don't appear until much later. If you are relying on advice from other users and friends, they may not know or tell you about the dangers.

Anabolic steroids affect the way you look:

·       ÂSevere pimples of the face and body

·       ÂHair loss

·       ÂIn teenagers, anabolic steroids can stop bones from growing, so you may not grow to your full height

·       ÂIn girls, anabolic steroids may cause masculine features like more body hair, smaller breasts, deeper voice, and larger clitoris

Anabolicsteroids affect your sex drive:

·       ÂIn boys, anabolic steroids can shrink your testicles and cause impotence (can't get it up)

Anabolic steroids can affect your personality:

·       Â"Roid rage" where you may become more aggressive or violent, and have bursts of anger

·       Âdepression

·       Âmood swings

·       Âbeing tired

 

Anabolic steroids can threaten your life:

·       ÂIf you inject steroids and share needles or vials, you can become infected with Hepatitis B and C, and HIV (AIDS)

·       ÂDamage to liver and liver cancer

·       ÂDamage to kidneys

·       ÂHigh blood pressure

What can you do instead of taking anabolic steroids?

• Even though anabolic steroids increase the size of your muscles, they can damage your health.
• You can talk to your gym teachers and/or coaches to get information about nutrition, exercise, and other training techniques for improving performance.
• You can ask your teachers and/or coaches to talk to other young people about the dangers of using anabolic steroids.
• You can feel good about yourself based on other things, not just your physical appearance. You should be proud of your talents, achievements, abilities, intelligence, sense of humor, etc.
• It may take you longer, but you can get fit and build muscle without using anabolic steroids. You can feel proud of yourself by setting goals and achieving them without the use of anabolic steroids.

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Website developped and offered by the Canadian Association for Adolescent Health
Last modification: 2006-02-02