Drugs in Sports

Anabolic-androgenic steroids, more commonly called simply anabolic steroids, are manufactured substances that are closely related to male sex hormones like testosterone. They have received a lot of media attention because they're used incorrectly by people who want to increase muscle mass, and this often leads to dangerous side effects.

People take steroids to improve physical appearance and athletic performance much faster than is possible through diet and exercise alone. They are are most commonly used by male athletes and weightlifters, but women and non-athletes also use them.

When an individual uses anabolic steroids, they work by stimulating specific parts of muscle cells. This causes the muscles to create more proteins and decreases the degradation of proteins. In order for the drugs to noticeably increase strength, the person must do extensive strength training exercises to activate this process.

The two forms of anabolic steroids are tablets and injections. They are sold by many different names, including Sustanon, Pimobolan, Halotestin, and Andriol. Those are a few of the steroids sold for use by humans, but many of the drugs bought from dealers are actually manufactured for animals. These include Spectriol, Boldebal-H, Drive, Stanozolol, and Nandrabolin, among others. There are actually over 100 different names.

Because steroids are related to sex hormones, side effects are different for men and women. Females may experience menstrual cycle problems, facial hair, a permanently deepened voice, and problems with an unborn child if pregnant. Other consequences for both sexes include liver damage or cancer, heart problems, psychological problems, diabetes, acne, and jaundice. Males may develop breast tissue or become infertile. There is a potentially addictive quality to steroids, which can easily lead users to drug abuse and make it extremely difficult to stop.

Anabolic steroids are one of the classes of drugs that have been banned by the NCAA, as well as many other athletic organizations. This is because they give athletes who use them an unfair advantage over everyone else. The significant health risks are also an obvious concern. A positive drug test can lead to the individual being banned and receiving disciplinary action. Taking supplements can inadvertently cause a positive drug test if they contain traces of banned substances. There is an exception to this rule if the student has a prescription for a medical condition and notifies the NCAA in advance.

There are legitimate medical uses for anabolic steroids. Doctors prescribe them for a variety of medical conditions. They are given to patients who have disorders that decrease muscle mass, such as AIDS patients. Anabolic steroids are also prescribed to men who have hormone deficiencies.

General Resources

Anabolic steroids Factsheet
Medline Plus: Anabolic Steroids
Article about steroids and women
Steroids FAQ and Reports
Anabolic Steroids: Mechanisms and Effects
DEA Drug Information

Abuse and Dangers of Steroids

Steroid Abuse Symptoms, Signs, and Treatment
Performance-Enhancing Drugs: Are You Risking Your Health?
Anabolic Steroid Abuse
Anabolic Steroids: Side Effects
Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse

For and About Teens

Performance-Enhancing Drugs and Your Teen Athlete
NIDA for Teens – Facts on Anabolic Steroids
NCAA Banned-Drug Classes 2007-08

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