Steroids
Steroids are synthetic substances that are related to male sex hormones. These drugs build muscle and increase masculine characteristics. They can be prescribed by your doctor to treat medical conditions such as delayed puberty or to combat muscle wasting in AIDS patients. However, they can also be used illegally. Illegal steroid use is most often related to athletes who use it for performance enhancing effects.
Slang
Roids, Juice
Examples of steroids
There are many different steroids available. Here are just a few:
- Anapolon
- Anavar
- Dianabol
- Durabolin
- Winstrol
How it works
Steroids act like testosterone. They promote the growth of muscle as well as the development of male sexual features (Kids Health).
How steroids are used
Steroids can be taken in the following ways:
- By mouth (pills)
- Injected (Steroid users who share needles are at risk for serious infection including Hepatits B and HIV.)
Side effects
- Aggression (“roid rage”)
- Modified sex drive
- Swelling
- Bad breath
- Depression
- Infertility, breast development and shrinking of the testicles in men
- Growth of body hair, male pattern baldness, deepening of voice and enlargement of the clitoris in women
- Acne
- Cysts
- Oily scalp
- Tendon rupture
- Heart attacks
- Enlargement of the heart’s left ventricle
- Liver disease and liver cancer
Facts
- Anabolic steroids should not be confused with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are used to treat common medical conditions such as asthma and arthritis. Although corticosteroids are strong medications, they do not have the muscle building effects that anabolic steroids have (Lift for Life).
- In the past, only Olympic athletes were known to use steroids. However, this is changing. More and more middle school and high school aged boys are using steroids to get the kind of body they desire (National Institute on Drug Abuse).
- Most major professional and amateur athletic organizations have banned steroid use by their athletes (Lift for Life).
- Steroids cannot make you a better athlete as they do not improve agility or skill (Teen Health & Wellness).
Laws
Although steroids can be obtained legally from a medical practitioner to treat a variety of different medical problems, they can also be bought and sold illicitly. Depending on the type and use, steroids are regulated by the Canadian Food and Drugs Act and the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Most sporting associations have strict rules governing the use of steroids by athletes. In many of them, athletes can be disqualified if they are found to have steroids in their system.
Where to go for help
For more information on barbiturates, please talk to your family doctor or your school counsellor. You can also check out the Health Canada website or the links below.
Links
National Institute on Drug Abuse (United States)
RCMP – Drugs and Sport