Steroid Abuse - Dangers of Anabolic Steroids
Steroid abuse
is now a recognized problem not only among athletes.
Steroid
abuse is now considered an epidemic in many high schools in the
United Sates. To have a better understanding of steroid abuse, let’s
first talk about why people abuse a substance, in this case steroids.
Substance abuse is defined as "the overindulgence in and dependence of
a
drug
or other chemical leading to effects that are detrimental to the
individual's physical and mental health, or the welfare of others."
An individual abuses steroids primarily to enhance his/her appearance.
Another reason is to boost athletic performance. An individual who
suffers from muscle dysmorphia or have suffered physical or sexual
abuse during childhood tends to abuse
steroids.
Recognizing
the symptoms of steroid abuse
If you feel good when
you’re in a
steroid
cycles, then you experience
the so-called crash after the cycle then probably you are abusing
steroids. This illustrates your dependence on steroids; meaning, you
have to use steroids in order for you to be in good mood. Another
symptom that you might be abusing steroids is if you’re spending a lot
of time and money in getting your gear. This is one of the typical
tell-tale signs of steroid abuse.
Steroids do have legitimate medical uses and improve a person’s
physical appearance and athletic performance. But it also acknowledged
that steroids have potential health risks, some of which can be
irreversible. This is why abuse of steroids is a dangerous habit.
Side
effects of steroid abuse
•
tumor growth in kidney and liver
•
high blood pressure
•
increase in LDL ("bad") levels;
decrease in HDL ("good") levels
•
acne breakout
•
psychiatric dysfunction (mood swings,
aggression, delusions, paranoia)
Side effects of steroid
abuse may also include gender-specific
reactions. Males who abuse
steroids
may experience loss of libido,
infertility, testicular atrophy, breast development, and hair loss.
Females, on the other hand, may experience virilizing symptoms, such as
growth of facial hair, menstrual cycle disruption, and deepening of
voice.
Adolescents who abuse steroids may suffer frequent and prolonged
erections, premature sexual development, as well as stunted growth
resulting from premature epiphyseal fusion. Premature epiphyseal fusion
occurs because of the increased estrogen levels. Most anabolic
steroids, which are synthetic versions of the male hormone
testosterone, convert to estrogen when introduced into the system.
Steroid
abuse withdrawal symptoms
As with other forms of
addiction, withdrawing from
steroid
abuse may be
difficult to many. Withdrawal symptoms
of steroid abuse include fatigue, weight loss, nausea, diarrhea,
restlessness, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, fainting, and
irritability. There is also the symptom of steroid cravings, which may
lead to continued abuse. Mild to severe depression can also be
experienced by a steroid abuser during withdrawal.
Who abuses steroids?
Contrary to general
view, athletes are not the only population segment
who abuse or
buy
steroids. Steroids used to be the secret weapons of those
high-paid and risk-taking athletes. Not anymore. Steroids are now being
abused by celebrities as well. And because the success of these sports
and entertainment personalities is highlighted in the media, many
people – young and old alike – resort to steroids in attempts to
emulate their icons.
Steroid abuse by teens
In its annual survey of steroid use by students, the Monitoring the
Future provides these results:
|
8th
Grade |
10th
Grade |
12th
Grade |
| Lifetime |
1.5% |
1.8% |
2.2% |
| Past Year |
0.8 |
1.1 |
1.4 |
| Past Month |
0.4 |
0.5 |
1.0 |
This report is available in PDF format, Steroid Abuse and Addiction, [PDF format, 440 KB]