Steroids A Quick Way To The Top

Steroids, A Quick Way To The Top Essay, Research Paper

Steroids: Quick Way to the Top

Hey wimp, was first thing Dan Brown heard his freshman year in high school. Needless to say, Dan promised himself that was going to be the last time he was ever called a wimp. With no girlfriends, no starting position on the football team, and no confidence, Dan was convinced he had finally found the solution with anabolic steroids. Dan kept his promise. His sophomore year brought not only the desired starting position, but also a beautiful cheerleader. With the goal of being bigger, stronger and faster, many teenagers are playing a risky game of chemical roulette. Anabolic steroids have a common use in the sport and medical community; however, there are conflicting views on the use and effect of these drugs on the human body.

In the book, Macho Medicine: A History of the Anabolic Steroid William Taylor talks about anabolic steroids or more precisely, “anabolic (constructive metabolism, or simply ‘to build’) and androgenic ( characteristics that are man like)” (19). These steroids are concocted synthetically to maximize the anabolic (growth) effect and minimize the androgenic (male characteristics) effects. Performance drugs have an ancient history. The first documented use of performance enhancing drugs dates back to 1860, where swimmers in Amsterdam used anything from strychnine to heroin to gain that competitive edge. The first synthetic anabolic steroid was developed in 1953, having a strength building effect five times stronger than the natural hormone male testosterone. Although it was soon realized the drug had unwanted side effects, it was too late to halt its spread. “Once drugs of elite athletes competing at the world-class level, anabolic steroids are now available to and being used by younger athletes and some teens who are not involved in competitive sports” (Wright and Cowart 3). Early users were mainly competitors who rely heavily on bulk and strength – bodybuilders, weightlifters, or football players. During the 1970s, demand grew as athletes from all sports wanted that extra edge. Nearing fifty years since their conception, steroids are the unspoken standard in today s competition, making natural talent almost obsolete.

Steroids, as with most drugs, have their share of pros and cons. When first introduced, steroids were touted as miracle drugs. Anabolic steroids, although mainly thought of as a sport enhancing drug, have found their way into a wide variety of medical practices. Synthetic steroids were originally created to treat illnesses and deficiencies. Selected anabolic steroids are currently being used to treat AIDS, types of anemia, some breast cancers, osteoporosis and endometriosis (Taylor 22). Some doctors believe that certain steroids improve the appetite as well as improve healing after surgery

Anabolic steroids are usually taken in pill form. Some that cannot be absorbed orally are taken by injection through a syringe. For medical purposes, the prescribed daily dose averages between 1 and 5 milligrams. Some athletes may take up to 300 milligrams a day, obviously far exceeding the recommended dosage. Operating on the theory more is better, some athletes indulge in a practice known as stacking. This term with respect to the use of anabolic steroids, means taking two or more drugs at the same time in hopes of achieving a synergistic effect (Yesalis and Cowart 25).

It is often said that anabolic steroids cause mental problems including mood swings and violent impulses. Uncontrolled bursts of anger and erratic behavior have a name in the steroid culture; “Roid Rages” (Yesalis and Cowart 60). Other psychological effects include, “suicidal thoughts, drug dependence and depression” (Wright and Cowart 51).

Some of the most common side effects are muscle cramps and spasms associated with the rapid changes occurring within their muscles. According to Anabolic Steroids: Altered States the following are potential and common side effects: Acne, jaundice, bad breath, reduction of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), and high blood pressure (34-40). Additionally, side effects differ with gender. Male users may experience shrinking of the testicles, reduced sperm count, baldness, and development of breast tissue; referred in the bodybuilding world as bitch tits. Female users may grow facial hair, have changes in their menstrual cycle, develop a deeper, manlike voice, as well as a permanently enlarged clitoris (58-70). Although many of the long term side effects have not been determined, the short term effects can be harmful, even fatal. People who choose to use steroids must consider the delicate balance of the body. When a foreign substance is introduced into the body, a series of events will occur until the body regains its natural balance.

History has taught us that, in sports, winning is everything. Athletes have conditioned themselves with food, exercise and drugs to transform their bodies into fine tuned machines. Many athletes with a promising future are willing to pay any price for perfection. Shock waves went through the sports world when Canadian track superstar Ben Johnson was denied his gold medal at the 1988 Olympics after tests showed he had taken anabolic steroids (Bower 30). Although many believe professional athletes are the biggest users and abusers of steroids, statistics reported in American Famil