Anabolic Steroids Why do teens use steroids? 1-Athletic advantage 2-Low self esteem 3-Poor body image

Ever wondered how those bulky weight lifters got so big? While some may have gotten their muscles through a strict regimen of weightlifting and diet, others may have gotten that way through the illegal use of steroids.

Anabolic Steroids

What are Steriods?...continued Anabolic steroids are usually synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone.

What are Steriods?...continued They do have legitimate medical uses. Sometimes doctors prescribe them to help people with certain kinds of anemia and men who don't produce enough testosterone on their own. But doctors never prescribe anabolic steroids to young, healthy people to help them build muscles. Without a prescription from a doctor, anabolic steroids are illegal.

What are Steroids?...continued "Anabolic" refers to a steroid's ability to help build muscle. Other types of steroids, like cortisol, do not build muscle and do not have the same harmful effects.

Common street names Slang words for steroids are hard to find. Most people just say steroids. On the street, steroids may be called "roids" or "juice."

How are they used? Some people who abuse steroids pop pills. Others use hypodermic needles to inject steroids directly into muscles.

What is the scope? Abuse is well known to occur in a number of professional sports. These include bodybuilding, football, track and field, and baseball. Their use is not limited to these sports, but testing in these sports have helped expose the cheaters.

What are the effects on the body? Baldness can be caused by steroid abuse. Mood swings, including homicidal rage, can occur. Taking “roids” can cause pimples to pop up. Females who take steroids can become more masculine. Their voices can deepen.

What are the effects on the body? A condition that effects the heart called atherosclerosis can be caused by steroid use. Hormonal changes can lead to a condition that leads to extra fatty tissue in the chest area called gynecomastia. Increased levels of hormones signal bones to stop growing.

Athletic Advantages to Steroid Use 1.Increase muscle size and strength. 2.Speed recovery time. 3.Increase energy levels during workouts.

MLB Major League Baseball

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Are steroids addictive? It is possible that some people who abuse steroids may become addicted to the drugs. They spend large amounts of time and money obtaining the drugs and, when they stop using them, they experience withdrawal symptoms such as depression, mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and the desire to take more steroids.

Are steroids addictive?...continued The most dangerous of the withdrawal symptoms is depression, because it sometimes leads to suicide attempts. Untreated, some depressive symptoms associated with anabolic steroid withdrawal have been known to persist for a year or more after the person stops taking the drugs.

What should you do if someone has a problem? If someone you know is abusing steroids, encourage him or her to talk to a parent, school guidance counselor, or other trusted adult.

What should you do if someone has a problem? There are also anonymous resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ( TALK) and the Treatment Referral Helpline ( HELP).

How to recognize steroid use in a teen Steroids: The True Story The Science of Steroids Part 2