“I have never used steroids. Period“ – Rafael Palmeiro 3/17/2005

What are steroids?  The proper name for “steroids” is anabolic- androgenic steroids, they are synthetic versions of the male sex hormone testosterone  Anabolic refers to muscle-building  Androgenic refers to male sex hormones  Steroids are chemical substances derived from cholesterol, including estrogen (the female sex hormone)  Steroids can be taken orally or injected  There are over 100 kinds of steroids, the most common are anadrol, dianabol, winstrol, and deca-durabolin

Why are steroids used?  Anabolic steroids build up muscle and bone mass along with decreasing the recovery time  Simply put, steroids work and they work fast – the biggest strength gains are observed in the first 3 weeks of use  Adding 25 lbs of muscle is not uncommon “I could grab a 10-foot-rim. I could jump a few inches higher than the rim. It kind of freaked me out at first” – Anonymous Colleyville High (TX) student- athlete “These kids were gaining 75 pounds on their bench press in a month or so“ – Dave Walls, former Plano Senior High football player (TX)

Where do adolescents get steroids?  The most common source of steroids is from smuggling from other countries (such as Mexico and European countries)  Most high school students obtain steroids from friends, family, and other student- athletes  The Internet serves as a virtual hangout where teenagers and adults exchange information about buying and using steroids and pick up tips on managing side effects  Steroids are commonly known as roids, juice, arnolds, gym candy, strength trainers and gear

Prevalence of steroids in adolescents  3.4% of 12 th graders reported taking steroids at least once (NIDA research)  2.5% of 10 th graders and 1.6% of 8 th graders reported taking steroids at least once  More than one million young people are taking steroids illegally  The secrecy surrounding steroid use makes it difficult to document the extent of the problem

Student Survey (CA high schools – March 2004) Do you, or anyone you know take anabolic steroids? Yes – 13% boys 10% girls Are you personally aware of coaches or other sports related staff promoting the use of these substances? Yes – 18% boys7% girls 68,780 19,196

Who is taking steroids?  Surveys and studies show that steroid use is highest among senior boys and athletes  Male athletes overall are no more likely to use anabolic steroids than male non-athletes, only highly involved athletes are more likely to use steroids (one and half times more likely)  Studies have shown that growing numbers of young girls are beginning to use steroids, with usage at about 2% (highly involved female athletes are twice as likely to use steroids than non-athletes) “It used to be bulimia was the fad choice … This is the new thing.... Now it's attractive to be thin and toned“ – Dr. Amanda Gruber, Psychiatrist at Harvard University Hospital

Reasons why adolescents take steroids  A recent study found that more than half of boys ages 11 to 17 chose as their physical ideal an image possible to attain only by using steroids  Males are experiencing body image anxiety at increasingly younger ages  One-third of girls and almost as many boys said they frequently thought about wanting more toned or defined muscles 1)Athletic Performance 2)Increase Muscle Size/Reduce Body Fat 3)History of Physical Abuse 4)Part of a Pattern of At-Risk Behavior

What are the adverse effects of steroids? Long-term effects:  In adolescents, steroids can signal the bones to stop growing  Steroid abuse has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, even in athletes younger than 30  Steroids have been linked to liver and other forms of cancer  An undetermined percentage of steroid abusers become addicted to the drug and experience withdrawal symptoms Short-term effects  Studies suggest that steroids increase irritability and aggression, it is known as “roid rage”  Steroids have been reported to cause mood swings, depression, distractibility, forgetfulness, and confusion  Acne, especially on the back, is a common side effect of steroids

Sex-specific adverse effects of steroids In boys and men:  Reduced sperm production  Shrinking of testicles  Baldness  Irreversible breast enlargement In girls and women:  Decreased breast size  Deepening of the voice  Body hair  Baldness  Menstrual irregularities

National programs for steroid prevention  Due to the secrecy surrounding steroid use and the relative small numbers of steroid users there are few local programs to prevent steroid use  NIDA’s “Game Plan” included launching a website, distribution of bulletins, posters, and other resources for information on steroids  NIDA supported the foundation of ATLAS and ATHETAS, gender specific model programs to prevent steroid abuse in Oregon High Schools  The research shows that incorporating peer-led drug abuse prevention and health promotion curricula into sport team settings is effective

Legislative approach for steroid prevention  California was the first state to establish steroid rules specifically for high-school students in 2005  CIF implemented 3 anti-steroids measures in 2005: A written pledge signed by students Mandated education and training in steroids and muscle- building dietary supplements for the state's coaches to help them spot steroid use and warn players about the health dangers A prohibition on school sponsorships from any muscle- building supplements and a ban on any school staff members encouraging or distributing muscle-building supplements. Violators would be subject to personnel actions by their schools or districts  A handful of schools are already testing for steroids, including Brawley Union High (CA)  The high cost testing for steroids - $50 to $150 dollars per test – is the biggest deterrent for testing

Conclusion  The use of anabolic steroids in adolescents is particularly important because not all steroid users experience the same adverse effects, and many serious problems require months or years to develop  Young people should be educated anabolic steroids are dangerous drugs with realistic messages and not “scare tactics”  Experts suggest that even a limited random testing program is better than nothing  The research shows that incorporating peer-led drug abuse prevention and health promotion curricula into sport team settings is effective

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