What are anabolic steroids?
Steroids are synthetic compounds that resemble the male sex hormone, testosterone. They are commonly known simply as “steroids.” The more technical term is “anabolic androgenic steroids.” “Anabolic” means building muscle or promoting growth. Some steroids are used to treat severe asthma or arthritis. Anabolic steroids may be taken orally or by injection into the muscle tissue.

Why do people use anabolic steroids?
Some athletes use steroids to increase body weight and muscle strength. These effects are achieved only in combination with intense weight training and special diet. Once the steroid use stops, weight and muscle gain are lost. Steroids also increase aggression in some users.

What are the health risks and side effects?

1. heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
2. liver disease and jaundice
3. severe, scarring acne
4. HIV/AIDS, if needles are shared
5. Emotional problems, including depression and uncontrollable rage
6. Male users risk sterility, impotence, shrinkage of the testicles, and breast enlargement.
7. Female users risk sterility, decreased breast size, deepening of the voice, male pattern baldness, and growth of facial and body hair.
8. Steroid use can also stop or cause changes in the menstrual cycle.

Are there legitimate medical uses for anabolic steroids?
These drugs can be used in medical treatment for certain growth disorders in adolescents, anemia, and the effects of severe burns.  

What can be done to prevent steroid use?
Young people seem to respond to factual, credible information about steroid risks. Information programs should be aimed at all young people, not just athletes. Both the home and the school should be a part of these efforts. Coaches and other youth sports can send a strong, clear message of the risks. Parents can help prevent steroid use by helping their children feel worthwhile for who they are more than for how they look or how well they perform.

Legal Information
In Michigan, anabolic steroids are legally available only by prescription. Since 1991, use and possession are a misdemeanor, and delivery is a felony crime.

Educational and recreational athletic facilities are required by law to post signs warning of the dangers of steroids.

Federal law classes steroids as a controlled substance. Distribution or possession of these drugs for non-medical reasons is a federal offense.

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