Steroids Abusive Use

Steroids synthetically produced substances, which are related to male sex hormones, produce muscle growth, and the development of male sexual characteristics. Steroids are referred to as Corticosteroid drugs, which can reduce swelling and inflammation, especially for arthritis treatment. Anabolic steroids refer to muscle building and androgenic steroids refer to increase masculine characteristics. Names associated to steroids: roids, juice, weight trainers gym candy, or pumpers. Steroids are legally available for purchase by a prescription, and more then 100 differently types are available. In March 1991, the Federal Anabolic Control Act, placed anabolic steroids on the schedule “three” of the Controlled Substance Act making them, an illegal subsistence without a prescription. Those taking steroids for medical reasons, such as treating low amounts of testosterone which delays puberty, and some types of impotence. Also, treating patients with AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and other disease, by promoting cell growth and division, especially for muscle and bone. Patients are taken off the medication gradually to avoid side effects.

During the 1930s, steroids where developed to help men, when not enough natural hormone is required, for the development of body hair, a lower voice or other masculine characteristics, that occur at puberty. Unfortunately, today’s use of anabolic steroids, are commonly abused by athletes, wanting to enhance their performance and physical appearance. These athletes include weight lifters, body builders, long distant runners, and cyclists. Most common, anabolic steroid users take the substance orally or by injection for weeks or months. During that time, multiple doses of steroids are taken, by starting and stopping, which is referred to as “cycling.” Some steroid addicts use a method referred to as pyramiding: Starts with a low dose of anabolic steroids, increasing the dose over a period of weeks, then gradually reducing, before ending the regimen. Addicts will abuse steroids by taking 10 to 100 times higher amount, compared for medical conditions. Furthermore, abusers of steroids taking two or more anabolic steroids, which to maximize effectiveness and minimize negative effects, referred to as “stacking.” Steroids administered by injection, are known as “oils’ or ‘waters,” into the muscle (usually the buttocks).

Unfortunate health hazards, when abusing anabolic steroids include: cancer, liver tumors, jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin, and body fluids), high blood pressure, fluid retention, increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) and decrease in good cholesterol (HDL). Additional side effects include: severe acne, trembling, and kidney tumors. Abuse of oral or injectable steroids is associated with higher risks of heart attacks and strokes. Lyle Alazado, former Los Angles Raiders defense lineman died from prolonged us of steroids, and growth hormones. He developed brain cancer, which affected his central nervous system. Many professional sports, including The National Football League, International Amateur Athletic Federation, National Collegiate Athletic Association, International Federation of Body Builders and International Olympic Games, have banned the use of anabolic steroids, and supplements. In September 2002, baseball banned steroids, and instituted a mandatory ten – day suspension, if a player is tested positive. In 2005, Baseball commissioner Bud Selig informed Congressional committee, he hopes to have a tougher testing plan, for banned use of steroids, incorporated in baseball’s labor contract. In 1975, the International Olympic Committee banned the use of steroids in Olympic competition.

Based upon gender, men are more likely to abuse steroids than women. Steroid sides effects for men: experience shrinkage of the testicles, reduce sperm count, infertility, baldness, development of breasts, and increase risk of prostate cancer. Women experience growth of facial hair, baldness, change in menstrual cycle, enlargement of the clitoris, and have a deep male voice. Adolescents abusing steroids will permanently halt their skeletal development, and accelerate puberty. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2004: 1.3 percent of eighth graders, 2.3 percent of tenth graders and 3.3 of twelfth graders are anabolic steroid users. The Partnership For A Drug Free America believes, the non – medical use of anabolic steroids among adolescents, and young adults, is a serious concern. Steroids can be addictive, including those claiming to take steroids, for a season or during a school year.

Those taking anabolic steroids by injection, increase the risk contracting or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, which can cause serious damage to the liver. The psychological effects include mood swings or violent tempers. When addicts discontinue the use of anabolic steroids, often depression, irritability, impaired judgment, suicidal thoughts or paranoid jealousy proceed. The length of time steroids remain the body, after discontinuation, depends if the substance was injected or taken orally. Injected steroids are detected in the body, following three to four months, and oral steroids, remain in the body one to four weeks.

Many illegal steroids are being imported or smuggled into the United States, and distributed or sold in gyms, competitions, and through mail order operations. These illegal steroids are bogus, counterfeit products or manufactured in clandestine laboratories, were poor quality control stands exist. Also, steroidal supplements or dietary supplements, including dehydroepian-drosterone (DHEA), and androstenedione can be purchased at health food stores, without a prescription. Taking this supplements, has never been proven, to increase the sufficient quantities of testosterone, which to promote muscle growth, but can cause the same side effects as anabolic steroids.

In 2005, USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll: 443 baseball fans think 63 percent of steroid use in baseball as a serious problem and 23 percent think steroids have ruined the game.