Stories of successful professional athletes who are discovered to be abusing anabolic steroids receive wide media coverage. But there is a quieter, less well-known side to anabolic steroid use. In high schools all over America, teen athletes, in pursuit of perfection, fame and fortune, are using these dangerous drugs with little awareness of possible side effects or long term health consequences.
Why Teens Use Steroids
Pressure to use anabolic steroids may come from a variety of sources. Teens may use because of a need to be the best in their sport, and to compete for coveted spots on sports teams or prestigious scholarships. Teens may be introduced to the practice by coaches or other athletes, who may present steroid use as a quick path to success while glossing over the potential risks. A norm of athletes who use anabolic steroids may have the unfortunate outcome of raising the bar for all athletes, putting pressure to use even on those who otherwise would not consider
How Many Teens are Using Steroids?
Fortunately, the numbers are relatively low. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2.2% of 12th graders surveyed confirmed that they had used steroids in their lifetime [NIDA InfoFacts: High School and Youth Trends, 2008]. But as pressure to compete mounts and steroid use is further normalized and glamorized by professional athletes, that number may grow.
Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids
Girls who use anabolic steroids may experience masculinizing effects such as deepened voices, increased body hair, facial hair, decrease in breast size and enlargement of the clitoris. Unfortunately, these side effects are not usually reversible once the athlete stops taking the drugs.
Teen males are at risk for undesirable side effects, as well. Habitual use of anabolic steroids can suppress the body’s testosterone production, leading to the development of secondary female sex characteristics such as swelling breasts and a decrease in the size of the sexual organs. Male teens are also at increased risk for ruptured tendons and damaged ligaments.
Both sexes can experience dangerous side effects such as an increase in bad cholesterol, a decrease in good cholesterol, cardiovascular problems and increased risk for cancer. Severe acne and balding are also common side effects of anabolic steroids.
Steroids also take their toll on teens’ emotional functioning. Problems can include increased aggressiveness and violence, commonly referred to as “roid rage,” and may even escalate into the development of depression and psychotic symptoms.
Anabolic steroid abuse can be prevented. Teens should be educated about the very real risks they subject their bodies to in pursuit of relatively short-term gains. Parents, teachers, coaches, and other adults who work with kids should know the signs of steroid abuse in order to identify students who may be engaging in this dangerous practice. In addition, adults and teens need to adjust their expectations of student athletes performances to reflect what the human body is capable of doing naturally, without artificial enhancement.
Source: Inaba, Darryl S.; Pharm.D.; and Cohen, William E. X,Upper, Downers, All Arounders. CNS Productions, Inc., 2007.
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