Anabolic Steroids Use by Athletes A Threat to Body and Mind

Anything of worth or value in life must be worked for. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson In the world of sports today, anabolic/androgenic steroid use is a vast problem. Since its’ introduction into Russian weightlifting, it has been expanding with no signs of stopping. It has spread into every major sport, with usage by every age and race. The use continues to grow, even with a lengthy list of serious health, legal, and ethical concerns. Because of our societys adoration of muscle, athletes put their athletic goals higher on their priority list than their long-term health. From Hulk Hogan to Arnold Schwarzenegger, our heroes all fit the superhuman mold. The government has tried various laws and programs to cut down on usage, but these†¦show more content†¦The oil-based form is injected, usually into the hamstring or buttock, using large-gauge, reusable needles obtained on the black market (NIDA 7). Some users may share the needles needed to inject the steroids, and this may expose the users to the spread of AIDS. The only two oil-based steroids that are used in mass quantities are Deca-durabolin and Delatestryl (Yesalis 109). Because of the beneficial effects of steroid-use, many athletes are willing to risk their health. The name anabolic/androgenic steroids comes from the words anabolic, meaning growing or building, and androgenic, meaning masculinizing. Athletes take steroids because they significantly increase lean muscle mass, strength, and endurance by helping the body retain dietary protein (NIDA 3). At high levels of competition, everyone possesses God-given talent, so athletes look for that special edge. They see steroids as that edge that will put them over the top and make them a champion. They are willing to achieve this goal by any means possible, even if it includes entering an early grave. Along with the phenomenal muscle gains, though, steroids produce many terrible side effects. Many doctors believe that the long-term effects of high dosages include liver and kidney malfunction, liver cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and heart disease (James 2). Another problem with steroids is that the muscles may be unnaturally enhanced, but the tendons and ligaments do not receive anyShow MoreRelatedAnabolic Steroids And Its Effects On The Body1272 Words   |  6 Pagesremembered a friend telling him about what anabolic steroids had done for him and decided to try it, he would later regret that decision. Anabolic steroids are drugs that reciprocate certain natural hormones in the body such as the male hormone testosterone, which can improve endurance and performance and stimulate muscle growth. 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