Anabolic Steroids
By Nora El Hadidi and Zena Karam
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic Steroids are unnatural substances that are similar to testosterone. It is a male sex hormone that can be prescribed by a doctor for delayed puberty, hormone problems, and muscle loss.
How are Anabolic Steroids abused?
If someone is taking Anabolic Steroids without a doctor's prescription and they are using them over the limit, then they are abusing Anabolic Steroids.
How do anabolic steroids affect the brain?
A common side effect of Anabolic steroids is aggesive behavior and mood swings, which can be called "Roid rage" This is caused because the brain's limbic system is being disturbed by the steroids.
What are other effects of anabolic steroids?
When Anabolic steroids are constantly being abused, It can lead to serious health problems sych as:
- High blood pressure
- Enlarged heart
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney problems/ Failure
- Severe acne
- Breast growth and shrinking of the testicles
- Low sperm count/ infertility (Unable to have children)
- Increased risk of prostate cancer
- Voice deepening
- Growth of facial hair
- Male-patterned baldness
- Changes or end of menstural cycle
Can you get addicted?
Addiction to steroids is very different from addiction to other drugs because steroids can not make you high. People who are addicted to steroids usually get depression.
Can you die from use?
You can die from abusing Anabolic Steroids. The reason why is because when you overuse this drug, it can cause atherosclerosis, which is when fat builds up and hinders blood flow in arteries. Therefore, atherosclerosis causes heart attacks and strokes. You could also get H.I.V's from injecting the drug with a used needle.
How many teens abuse anabolic steroids?
Based on NIDA'S Monitoring the Future, in a lifetime, there are 1% of 8th graders, 1.2% of 10th graders, and 2.3% of 12th who abuse anabolic steroids. In the past year, there were 0.5% in 8th grade, 0.7% in 10th, and 1.70% in 12th. In the past month, 0.3% of 8th graders, 0.4% of 10th, and 1% in 12th grade. It may seem like a small number, but it is a prolific percentage.
What should you do if someone needs help?
If someone is suffering steroid abuse, immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to avoid them possibly killing themselves with these drugs. The number is 1-800-273-TALK. Another number you could call is the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator to put and end to their habits of automatically taking steroids. This number is 1-800-662-HELP. You could also visit this website: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov. Please save someone's life if you ever get the chance.
What classification does your drug belong in?
Anabolic Steroids are classified under the category of Synthetic Hormones.