When we think of steroids, we often think of their negativeimpact on sports;however, steroids have a variety of uses outside of powering up a runner or cyclist. Steroids are often prescribed by doctors to help treat muscle damage or development, as anabolic steroids are designed to help rebuild and strengthen muscles in the body. They can also be used to treat different problems one may have throughout life, from delayed puberty to a lack of hormones late in life. Steroids are so effective at reducing swelling that they can often save lives. Despite the wide variety of medical uses for steroids, they are still most often abused in the world of sports, and the effects they have when consumed in unsafe amounts can permanently alter the body and mind.
The side effects of steroids are severe, but easy to hide unlike other drugs. Men may have a decrease in sperm count or become infertile, and may have their breasts become larger and testicles shrink. Because the hormones in anabolic steroids are often synthesized testosterone, women who take steroids may develop more masculine features, like facial and body hair, deeper voices, and a reduction in breast size. Despite these differences, men and women still experience some universal symptoms, like hair loss, acne, heart problems such as enlargement and heart attacks, mood swings, delusions, and an increased risk of cancer. If steroids are taken by a teen, they will likely experience lifelong and irreversible changes in their body, regardless of gender. Unfortunately, this is often where steroid abuse and addiction begin.
When steroids are taken illegally, it’s often to get a boost in athletic ability. Due to increased pressure from high school and college sports teams, teen steroid use has skyrocketed. It’s reported that anywhere from 7-1 of teens have abused some form of performance enhancing drug, whether it be a traditional steroid or human growth hormone. American sports culture has shifted dramatically into a must-win environment, and under this pressure, teens often abuse steroids in amounts that are extremely dangerous. Steroids are often very difficult to get a prescription for, as even under supervised use they can be dangerous. Therefore, teenagers taking it in virtually any amount is considered extremely dangerous.
Steroid users aren’t immune to addiction, either. We often think of addiction as a problem that meth or cocaine users have, but in reality the body will respond to anything put into it, and if that substance alters the body or its chemistry addiction can follow. Addiction is noticeable in any drug when someone continues to use it despite all the negative consequences, and with steroids those consequences are severe. Unfortunately, so are the symptoms of withdrawal. Users are likely to experience mood swings, rage, insomnia, cravings, and depression. Depending on how long someone has used the drug, some of these symptoms can last months, and depression can last over a year after the last dose.
Steroids are just like any drug in that they’re dangerous, addictive, and can have permanent effects on the body. Unfortunately, unlike most drugs the effects of steroids, such as improved athletic performance, often receive positive reinforcement from coaches, parents, and peers. This makes quitting steroids all the more difficult. If you or someone you know is suffering from anabolic steroids, it’s not too late to receive help and care.
