Androgenic-Anabolic steroids- Are man made drugs whose actions mimic those of the natural male hormone testosterone.

Steroids have two main effects. Masculinizing Tissue building

Androgenic effects- development of male sexual characteristics or masculinizing. Anabolic effects- promote the growth of skeletal muscle or tissue building.

In 1991 steroids were classified as a controlled substance which means they carry tough legal penalties for manufacture, distribution and possession. Up to 5 years and $250,000 fine.

Tolerance- No Physical dependence- No Psychological dependence- Yes/moderate

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.

Male side effects include: Shrinking testicles Low sperm counts Infertility Baldness Enlarged nipples

Female side effects include: Deepening of voice Development of facial hair Menstrual irregularities Irreversible male pattern baldness

Other side effects: Premature halting of bone growth Increased problems with acne Inappropriate anger Destructive (suicidal) behavior Depression Paranoia Uncontrollable violence

Doctors don’t know all the effects of steroid abuse. Few doctors specializing in steroid abuse treatment.

Another reason people give for taking steroids is to increase their muscle size and/or reduce their body fat.

Some anabolic steroids are taken orally, others are injected intramuscularly, and still others are provided in gels or creams that are rubbed on the skin.

Steroid abusers typically "stack" the drugs, meaning that they take two or more different anabolic steroids, mixing oral and/or injectable types and sometimes even including compounds that are designed for veterinary use.

Steroid abuse disrupts the normal production of hormones in the body, causing both reversible and irreversible changes.

Rising levels of testosterone and other sex hormones normally trigger the growth spurt that occurs during puberty and adolescence. Subsequently, when these hormones reach certain levels, they signal the bones to stop growing, locking a person into his or her maximum height.

Ben Johnson lost an Olympic gold medal for steroid use. One of the main reasons people give for abusing steroids is to improve their performance in sports.

Steroid abuse has been associated with liver tumors and a rare condition called peliosis hepatis, in which blood-filled cysts form in the liver. Both the tumors and the cysts sometimes rupture, causing internal bleeding.

Steroids do make bigger muscles and stronger individuals. They are dangerous and have irreversible side effects.

Who’s the “Freak”?

The End