Anabolic steroids are a form of the synthetic male hormone, testosterone, which is often used to increase muscle size and strength.

Steroids are found in liquid or pill form. The drug is either injected or swallowed.

The use of steroids dates back to World War II. German soldiers were given steroids to increase their strength and aggression.

The anabolic steroid is medically used to increase body tissue. This drug also prevents the breakdown of tissue which certain diseases may cause. Certain steroids may also be used in some types of allergy medications.

Over 80% of anabolic steroids are sold illegally through the black market.

The abuse of this drug may cause an increased, unnatural masculinity in the user.

Anabolic steroids can cause many health problems as well as other side effects.

SIDE EFFECTS

· Cardiovascular System:
· cholesterol modifications
· heart disease
· anaphylactic shock
· high blood pressure
· septic shock
· death

Reproductive System:

· genital atrophy
· genital swelling
· sexual dysfunction
· sterility
· impotence
· prostate enlargement
· fetal damage
· menstrual irregularities

Psychological:

· depression
· listlessness
· aggressive, combative behavior
· violence, paranoia and mood swings
· manic episodes
· hallucinations

Liver:

· cancer
· jaundice
· tumors
· hepatitis

OTHER SIDE EFFECTS OF STEROIDS

· acne
· hairiness in women
· male-pattern baldness
· oily skin
· stunted growth
· abdominal or stomach pains
· bone pain
· chills
· diarrhea
· changes in bowel and urinary habits
· gall stones
· hives
· headaches (continuous)
· excessive calcium
· insomnia
· kidney stones
· kidney disease
· muscle cramps
· nausea or vomiting
· purple or red spots on body, inside
· mouth or nose
· rash
· sore throat
· unusual weight gain
· unexplained weight loss
· unpleasant breath odor (continuous)
· unusual bleeding
· edema (water retention)
· yellowing of the eyes or skin

Injecting steroids also increases the chance of acquiring AIDS.

REASONS PEOPLE MAY USE STEROIDS

· peer pressure
· belief that it will improve athletic performance
· belief that the competition uses steroids

WHAT PARENTS AND COACHES CAN LOOK FOR:

· unusually fast muscle growth
· flare-ups of acne
· mood swings
· mood shift to depression
· violent, combative behavior

Because steroids are addictive, withdrawal symptoms may occur when a person is not using steroids. These symptoms may include:

· depression
· loss of energy and appetite
· insomnia
· manic-like symptoms

EXTENT OF USE

The National Household Survey of Drug Use (1993) shows that the following have used steroids:

· 1.6% white 8th graders
· 1.2% black 8th graders
· 2.0% hispanic 8th graders
· 1.6% white 10th graders
· 1.2% black 10th graders
· 2.3% hispanic 10th graders
· 2.1% white 12th graders
· 1.3% black 12th graders
· 2.1 %hispanic 12th graders