This document discusses the social constructs surrounding steroid and human growth hormone (HGH) use. It examines the varying perceptions of these substances in the US and worldwide. In the US, steroids are generally seen as either acceptable or unacceptable. Reasons for use include performance enhancement in athletics, bodybuilding, injury recovery, and medical purposes. Side effects of abuse include physical changes and mental health issues. Public perception of users is often negative and based on stereotypes rather than individual evaluation.

1. The Social Constructs That are Formed Involving Steroids,
Human Growth Hormone, and the Individuals Who Use Them.
Corey Goldsmith
San Jose State University
Author Note

2. Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 2
This paper was prepared for Kinesiology 164, 10:30 Tuesday/ Thursday, taught by Dr. Andrews
The Social Constructs That are Formed Involving Steroids,
Human Growth Hormone, and the Individuals Who Use Them.
Introduction
The use of steroids and human growth hormone has been a factor in sports and society since the 1960s,
but the way steroid users have been viewed by society has substantially changed in recent decades. The
development of our current views about the use of these substances is interesting, to say the least. I
intend to investigate the common preconceptions of the general population regarding steroid and HGH
use, both in the U.S. and worldwide.
Another important factor in my research will be the reasons why individuals might decide to use
these substances. I will discuss the enhancements and advantages that athletes and others desire to
achieve from steroids, and how these potential enhancements are viewed by non-steroid users. My
discussion will include an examination of potential differences in the perception of people who use
steroids for performance enhancement versus people who use them to achieve a desired body image. I
will also examine the lowered recovery times and the potential for injury prevention that are said to be
offered by HGH and steroid use.
Finally I will determine how non-users view the use of steroids and human growth hormone.
This will include identifying the physical and mental side effects of steroid and HGH use, and how the
public views a person who has these side effects. I chose this topic because it relates to my interest in
weight lifting and bodybuilding. I am intrigued by human growth hormone and steroid use, and how
these substances can drastically change an individual’s level of strength, speed, muscle size, and
recovery rate. I am eager to dive into the social aspect that is involved with these substances in order to
achieve a more complete understanding of their place in sports and society.

3. Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 3
Preconceptions of steroids and human growth hormone use
Steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) have been hot button issues in the sports world for
the past decade. However, the general public’s outrage over the use of steroids and HGH has been a
more recent development. This is partially due to the common lack of knowledge about steroids and
HGH by the general public (Solberg et al., 2010). Therefore, some of the preconceptions that are
formed about steroids are false, yet the public continues to believe them. One preconception is that
steroids and HGH cause the individual to become angry or to “rage”. Another common belief is that
steroid use causes reduction in size of the male genitalia. In addition, it is generally assumed that people
who use steroids do not care about anything but themselves. One of the most common beliefs is that
steroids and HGH can improve all areas of athletics and performance across all sports.
My personal view
I personally find steroids and HGH interesting and fascinating. I understand that they may have
some side effects when abused or used improperly, but many prescription drugs and supplements have
side effects also. I am not necessarily supporting the use of steroids and HGH, but I am most certainly
against villanizeing individuals who use these substances. I see steroids at a tool more than a drug.
Like any other tool steroids and HGH can be used improperly and abused. At the same time I am not
going to damn those who have been caught using steroids even in sports. I am able to draw a line
separating who the user is as a person and their possible use and or abuse of steroids and HGH.
How steroids and HGH are viewed in the U.S.A
In the U.S., steroids are usually viewed as either ok or not ok. The first group, which includes
fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, athletes, and even medical professionals, has no issues or reservations
about steroid use. Often, those who have a positive view of steroids and HGH are users themselves who
say they see, feel, and experience benefits of these substances. This view of steroids is not usually

4. Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 4
shared by the general public (Solberg et al., 2010). The second, larger groups feels that steroids are vile
and that anyone who may use steroids or HGH is not only self-centered, but is a villainous cheater.
These people often do not understand or choose to ignore the medical uses of steroids and the possible
benefits to recovery. These people only see the “ugly” side of steroids - the side effects that are fed to
them through the media. They are also told by the media (ESPN) that steroid use is reprehensible and
that all records and achievements by an athlete with even a past history of steroid use are null and void.
Another stand out among opponents of steroids is that some believe that all steroids are illegal
substances. The mentality that everything steroid related is illegal is another common view held by the
general public (Solberg et al., 2010). However, many steroids can be acquired by a prescription signed
by a medical professional. In addition, the constant development of new steroids means that untested,
yet technically legal varieties are on the market.
A younger subset of the population (10-25 years of age), still does not approve of steroid and
HGH use, but shows less hatred towards the substances (Wichstorm & Pedersen., 2001). Younger
individuals tend to tell jokes involving steroid use, or are very quick to make an accusation of steroid
use to a person with developed muscular physique. They do not see steroids as taboo like older adults
(35- 70 years of age) do, but the idea that steroids and HGH are used by cheaters and self-centered
individuals are still present. The younger population most often will make fun of the individuals who
they suspect of steroid and HGH use by assuming they have some of the side effects associated with
steroid abuse.
Worldviews of steroid and HGH use
At the global level, opinions on steroids and HGH are more diverse than those of the groups in
the U.S. The attitudes and opinions on steroid use vary drastically from country to country. For
example, in parts of Brazil steroids are used to improve esthetics of the physique in males. It is possible
for these people to obtain said steroids because they are usually wealthy. In contrast, many parts of
Africa have a lower percentage of steroid use than other areas of the world. In fact, it is estimated that a

5. Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 5
decent portion of Africans do not even know what steroids or HGH are used for. This is probably due in
part because the average income in many areas of Africa would not allow for the purchase of steroids of
any kind. In European countries, such as Germany or Russia, steroids are viewed by non-users similarly
to how non-users view steroids and HGH in the U.S. However, the media attention is directed
elsewhere. This means that the villainization of athletes or others that use steroids or HGH is not as
prevalent (Taylor, 2008). This may be because sports where steroids would give an advantage are
played more frequently in the U.S. Also, other countries may not just view steroids as a way to get
muscle, but also as a medical tool. As will be discussed later in this paper, steroids such as
corticosteroids can be used by medical professionals to help with some disabilities and ailments.
Overall, thoughts, feelings, and actions associated with steroids and HGH range greatly among cultures
(Morgan, 2009).
Reasons for steroid and HGH use
There are several reasons for steroid and HGH use, although usually only two of these are seen
on the TV or in other media. Steroids are used to improve muscle esthetics and size in both men and
women. These individuals may be competing, but those who just desire that “larger than life” look use
steroids, too. HGH and steroids are also used by athletes to gain strength and power and to recover from
workouts (Hartegens & Kuipers, 2004). It is interesting to note that just as many high school and
college athletes use steroids as professional athletes do in sports such as baseball, football, and
wrestling. In addition to recreation and athletic reasons for steroid use, medical professionals also use
steroids. As an example, steroids can be used as antyinflamitories to help
alieveiate arthritis symptoms (Pope, 1994).
Performance Enhancement
Athletes both professional and amateur are directed to take drug
tests to test for illegal substances that may be present in their system. This
is done to try and keep a level playing field for all athletes. The main
Ken Griffey, Jr. Homerun vs. San
Diego 2009

6. Arnold Lifting at Long Beach Gym
Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 6
illegal substance that these tests are looking for are steroids and HGH. This is due to the significant
strength and power gain from HGH use. Contrary to popular belief, steroids and HGH will not help an
athlete become faster or gain any advantage in cardiovascular endurance. This is the main reason in
sports where muscle mass is not necessarily an advantage steroid and HGH use is less prevalent. For
example, a cross-country runner would gain no benefit from using steroids or HGH. However, a wrestler
would gain an advantage. This means that steroids are more useful to athletes using both strength and
power. Steroids can also be useful to athletes going through physical therapy and injury rehab. This
means that the injured player can return to the sport faster to lessen the loss of career and revenue. For
example Ken Griffey Jr., a famous baseball player, spent many games injured but many more spending
time rehabbing injuries. Over the course of his career Griffey was put on the disabled list 12 times.
Some ESPN analysts estimate that if Griffey was healthy or recovered faster he could have hit 777 home
runs and won more than his 10 gold gloves. Griffey not only lost playing time with the Mariners and
Reds but he also lost revenue. For the reasons stated above steroids are very enticing to many amateur
and professional athletes. Many choose to use them in spite of possible suspension, expulsion or side
effects (Jason, 2006).
Bodybuilding and body image
Those not using steroids or HGH for athletic
performance or for medical reasons are using
them for recreation. These individuals are usually
bodybuilders, or fitness enthusiasts looking to
gain muscle mass and definition. This is a way to
improve the esthetic appearance of the human
physique. Steroids are used by all major
professional body builders to not only gain muscle mass but also to recover from taxing workouts to get
better results. Males and females can use steroids to obtain muscle mass and size that would not be

7. Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 7
possible without the use of steroids. These measures are taken by body builders because of the
standards previously set by Arnold Schwarzeneggar and others. Now the look achieved only through
steroids is the norm for major body building competitions (Brennan, 2011).
Injury and workout recovery rates
The only other reason to use steroids and HGH is for medical purposes. Steroids can be used to
help prevent further complications and to help in the rehab stages of recovery. Steroids have not shown
to have a direct impact on injury recovery, but steroids have been shown to decrease the rehab time to
get the athlete or individual up, moving, lifting and participating at a faster rate (Hartegens & Kuipers.,
2004).
Aside from recovery rates, certain types of steroids have been used in trial treatments to treat
multiple sclerosis, severe Bell’s palsy, and can alleviate pain in upper spine and neck injuries. A
common use for steroids in the medical field is to decrease inflammation. These corticosteroids helped
save my grandfather’s life by decreasing temple inflammation that was blocking circulation of blood to
his head. Some medical trials have shown that steroids can help to treat or stop the spread of some
cancers. However, this idea is still seen as experimental and needs to be tested further to come to a
definitive conclusion (Pope, 1994).
Side effects of steroid use and social reaction
Often individuals who choose to abuse steroids are the ones who exhibit the side effects. Other
than the athletes that are found guilty of taking steroids, these abuse cases are the most publicized cases
of steroid use (Taylor, 2008). Over the years some professional football players and even more
professional wrestlers have died due to some sort of complications of steroid abuse. In some cases the
steroids were even mixed with other drugs into a dangerous cocktail (Taylor, 2008). Often only the
people who care about these individuals, such as fans of the wrestler or player, show some signs of
sadness and humanity. The media, along with others in society, express no pity for an individual
suffering from steroid abuse.

8. Chris Benoit Smackdown 2007
Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 8
Physical side effects
When examining the physical side effects of steroid abuse it is important to view the physical
side effects in sections. First, common effects that are present in both males and females should be
assessed before dividing the sexes respectively. Both men and women who abuse steroids and HGH
have or can exhibit liver and kidney damage, increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, depressed
immune system, nosebleeds, moderate to sever acne, and decreased joint flexibility (Pope, 1994).
In men steroid abuse has been linked to possible breast enlargement, shrunken testicles, lower
sperm count, increased sex drive, but decreased sexual performance. These male side effects are
commonly talked about and joked about, when someone is talking about steroids or HGH (Morgan,
2009).
Women have different but no less sever side effects of steroid abuse. Steroid abuse in women
has been linked to body and facial hair growth, male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice, abnormal
or absent menstrual periods, and infertility (Pope, 1994). These effects are talked about less often than
the male side effects. However, when exhibited in a person these effects can be quite shocking and
abnormal in the public eye (Solberg et al., 2010).
Side effects for steroid abuse for teens and young adults could be the least addressed side effects
talked about thus far. However, the early closure of centers in the long bones, thus halting growth, may
be the worst side effect of all. This is why when a teenager or other minor takes steroids without
medical consent or reason, it is classified as abuse (Wichstrom & Pedersen, 2001).
Emotional and mental side effects to steroid and HGH use
On the emotional, or psychological level side effects of steroid
abuse are just as bad as the physical side effects. These side effects
can be present in both male and female abusers. Some of these side
effects include edginess, paranoia, and impatience. These are often
accompanied by violent mood swings including, but not limited to

9. Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 9
depression. The steroid abuse along with these side effects can cause these violent mood swings, if
violent enough, to be categorized as “roid rage”. Although if a person using steroids gets even a little bit
angry the public is quick to associate that outburst with “roid rage”. When taken to the extreme these
fits of rage and depression can have detrimental and sometimes deadly effects on the abuser and or
people around them (Daigle, 1990).
An example of this is former professional wrestler Chris Benoit. According to police reports
Chris was a long time steroid abuser. On June 24th
, 2007 Chris allegedly became enraged and murdered
his wife and their 7-year-old son before hanging himself. Expert Julian Bailes, the head of neurology at
West Virginia University, examined Benoit’s brain and found that dementia caused by too many
concussions may have been a contributing factor to the crimes. However, it is apparent that the steroid
abuse was the igniting factor in the tragedy that occurred (web,
http://www.biography.com/people/chris-benoit-21203169.).
Common preconceptions of a steroid or HGH user
Excluding the physical and psychological side effects of using steroids, there is also one last side
effect. This side effect is the way in which the public, at least in the U.S., believes or assumes a steroid
user acts, thinks and feels. Most people who talked about those who use steroids or HGH say that these
individuals use these substances because they have low self esteem, and that they need something to feel
god about themselves. The public labels a user as drastic and crazy without even knowing them or
asking them about steroids. Some people also think that steroid users are guilty of having an all or
nothing mentality, and that they must use steroids or HGH to be successful. Most users of steroids do
not carry this dramatic mentality but because some do all are placed in a similar box. Overall, the
general public overestimates the number of steroid users and abusers. It is important to state that there
are just as many medical users of steroids as there are those who use steroids or HGH for recreational
reasons (Morgan, 2009).

10. Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 10
Conclusion
Steroids and their users are not necessarily bad people. In fact, many are using steroids for
medical reasons. However, the overall public view of steroids and those who use them is negative. In
addition to these negative thoughts about the character of steroid users, there is also a common belief
that all steroid and HGH users exhibit the side effects associated with steroid abuse. It is important to
understand there is a great deal of difference between a user and an abuser when it comes to steroids.
Only in cases of abuse do individuals show signs of the commonly talked about genital shrinkage or
“roid rage”. Yet all users are somehow labeled as villains or cheaters whether they play sports or not.
Society’s overall view of these individuals is warped. In some ways society treats those with steroid
abuse much worse than those dealing with drug addiction or alcoholism. This is because they see the
addiction, the abuse, the side effects, and the stereotypes that are formed from the extreme cases. Society
can’t see past these falsehoods to the person behind the steroids.

11. Corey Goldsmith, Social Constructs of Steroids, KIN 164, Dr. Andrews 11
References
Brennan, Brian P., et al. "Human growth hormone abuse in male weightlifters." The American Journal
on Addictions 20.1 (2011): 9-13.
Hartgens, Fred, and Harm Kuipers. "Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in athletes." Sports
Medicine 34.8 (2004): 513-554.
McCabe, Sean Esteban, et al. "Trends in non-medical use of anabolic steroids by US college students:
results from four national surveys." Drug and alcohol dependence 90.2 (2007): 243-251.
Morgan, William J. "Athletic perfection, performance-enhancing drugs, and the treatment-enhancement
distinction." Journal of the Philosophy of Sport 36.2 (2009): 162-181.
Taylor, Stuart. "Outside the outsiders: Media representations of drug use." Probation Journal 55.4
(2008): 369-387.
Wichstrøm, Lars, and Willy Pedersen. "Use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in adolescence: winning,
looking good or being bad?." Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs 62.1 (2001): 5.
Yesalis, Charles E., and Michael S. Bahrke. "Anabolic steroid and stimulant use in North American
sport between 1850 and 1980." Sport in History 25.3 (2005): 434-451.
Additional Sources
Daigle, Robert D. "Anabolic steroids." Journal of psychoactive drugs 22.1 (1990): 77-80.
Pope, Harrison G., and David L. Katz. "Psychiatric and medical effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid
use: a controlled study of 160 athletes." Archives of general psychiatry 51.5 (1994): 375-382.
Christopher Michael Benoit. (2014). The Biography.com website. from
http://www.biography.com/people/chris-benoit-21203169.
Jason S. “If ken Griffey jr. had stayed healthy…”. ESPN.com website. from
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?id=5247355 (2006)
Solberg, Harry Arne, Dag Vidar Hanstad, and Thor Atle Thøring. "Doping in elite sport–do the fans
care?: public opinion on the consequences of doping scandals." (2010).