The Truth about Steroids

GET THE FACTS.....

Steroids affect your heart. Steroid abuse has been associated with cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. These heart problems can even happen to athletes under the age of 30.

Steroids affect your appearance. In both sexes, steroids can cause male-pattern baldness, cysts, acne, and oily hair and skin.

Steroids affect your mood. Steroids can make you angry and hostile for no reason. There are recorded cases of murder attributed to intense anger from steroid use.

Steroids increase your risk of infection. Sharing needles or using dirty needles to inject steroids puts you at risk for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

Other slang terms associated with steroid use include:

Roid Rages - uncontrolled outbursts of anger, frustration, or combativeness that may result from using anabolic steroids.

Shotgunning - taking steroids on an inconsistent basis.

Stacking - using a combination of two or more anabolic steroids.

KNOW THE SIGNS....

How can you tell if a friend is abusing steroids?
Sometimes it is hard to tell. There are signs you can look for. If your friend has one or more of the following warning signs, he or she may be abusing steroids:

FOR GUYS: Baldness, development of breasts, impotence
FOR GIRLS: Growth of facial hair, deepened voice, breast reduction
FOR BOTH: Jaundice (yellowing of skin), swelling of feet or ankles, aching joints, bad breath, mood swings, nervousness, trembling

Q. Are steroids addictive?

A. Yes, they can be. Withdrawal symptoms include mood swings, suicidal thoughts and/or attempts, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, and sleeplessness.

Q. How long do steroids stay in your system?

A. The length of time that steroids stay in the body varies from a couple of weeks to more than 18 months.

Q. What can I do to excel in sports if I don't use steroids?

A. Focus on getting proper diet, rest, and good overall mental and physical health. These things are all factors in how your body is shaped and conditioned. Excelling in sports is achievable and done by millions of athletes without relying on steroids.

THE BOTTOM LINE....

If you know someone who abuses steroids, urge him or her to get help. If you are abusing them -- STOP! The longer you ignore the real facts, the more chances you take with your life. It's never too late. Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a teacher, an athletic trainer, or another adult you trust.


Kathina Sheets, MS, VATL, ATC