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STEROIDS

From 1998 to 1999, the Monitoring the Future Survey reported an increase in lifetime use of steroids among 10th-graders and a decrease in perceived risk of harm among seniors.

DRUG EFFECTS:

"Anabolic steroids" is the familiar name for synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones (androgens). They promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects), and also have some other effects.

The primary medical uses of these compounds are to treat delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by HIV infection or other diseases.

Anabolic steroids facilitate the growth of skeletal muscle, which led to use of the compounds first by bodybuilders and weightlifters and then by athletes in other sports. Steroid abuse has become so widespread in athletics that it affects the outcome of sports contests.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS:

Steroids are bad because of the adverse side effects that result from long term and improper use. Most side effects are reversible, however, some are not. Like a lot of drugs, steroids promote addictive behavior. This often leads to long term use of highly androgenic drugs, which suppresses the bodies natural ability to produce testosterone and leads to negative side effects such as gynecomastia. Because steroids are only available on the black market (unless you have a prescription), counterfeit steroids are widely available. This is probably the biggest factor leading to negative side effects.