Non-medical use of anabolic steroids is illegal and banned by most, if not all, major sports organizations. Still, some athletes persist in taking them, believing that these substances provide them a competitive advantage. But the fact is that anabolic steroids can cause serious physical and psychological side effects.
Adverse Health Effects of Anabolic Steroid Use
The abuse of anabolic steroids is driven by the desire to change appearance and performance. Steroid use does make users bulk up, boosting their strength and athletic performance. But the long-term ill health effects are high, and not worth the risk. They may actually shorten the abuser’s life.
Anabolic steroid abuse is a wide-spread problem today not only with men but with women as well. Anabolic steroids can lead to heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure, and serious psychiatric problems. In addition, because steroids are often injected, users who share needles or do not sterilize needles properly are at risk for contracting dangerous infections, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C.
Abuse of anabolic steroids in men may result in:
- Accelerated male-pattern baldness
- Decreased sex drive
- Reduced sperm counts
- Breast development
- Testicle shrinking
Women may experience side effects including:
- Clitoris enlargement
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Deepened voice
- Breast reduction
- Male-pattern baldness
- Growth of facial hair
Both sexes put themselves at increased risk for
- Skin disease such as acne and cysts
- Cardiovascular disease (strokes and heart attacks)
- Liver disease (cancer and cysts)
- Psychological effects (such as depression or aggression)
Anablolic Steroid Abuse in Teenagers
Teens can face debilitating side effects from steroid abuse including permanent stunting of growth. Hormone balance is important during this stage of life. Hormones are involved in the development of a girl's feminine traits and a boy's masculine traits. When teens abuse steroids, gender mix-ups can occur.
Legal Implications of Anabolic Steroid Abuse
Anabolic steroids are legally available only by prescription in the United States. Steroids are classified as controlled substances and carry with them felony charges for possession in most states. Whether someone is charged with the intent to distribute or for possession, in the eyes of the law, they might as well be dealing or using crack cocaine. Authorities regularly make arrests at traffic stops, border crossings, and through mail interceptions (mail order is used in black market distribution of illegal anabolic steroids). Legal problems, such as a felony conviction for possession of an illegal substance, are side effects of anabolic steroids that should not be overlooked.
So, while anabolic steroids can enhance certain types of performance or appearance, they are dangerous drugs, and when used inappropriately they can cause a host of severe, long-lasting, and in some cases, irreversible negative health, psychological and legal consequences.
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