This document discusses the negative influence of steroid use among athletes. It notes that steroid use is becoming a problem not just among professional athletes but also among high school and college students who are influenced by pro athletes. The document outlines several negative health effects of steroid use including psychological effects, infertility, and increased feelings of aggression. It argues that athletes should improve their performance through hard work and training rather than steroid use, and that pro athletes need to consider how their actions influence young people.
The document discusses the issue of steroid use among professional and amateur athletes. It notes that while some fans accept steroid use because it leads to more impressive athletic feats, it sets a bad example for young athletes and can negatively impact their health. Rates of steroid use have increased among high school athletes, showing professional athletes are influencing youth in a harmful way. The document argues athletes caught using steroids need harsher punishment to deter the behavior and protect amateur sports.
This document discusses the negative influence of steroid use among athletes. It notes that while some claim steroids make sports more entertaining, they actually hurt athletes' health and influence young people in a harmful way. Steroid use is now occurring among high school athletes, and some states are implementing drug testing for high school sports. The document examines reasons some athletes use steroids, like pressure to perform, but argues they should improve themselves through natural training instead. It concludes that professional athletes need to consider how their steroid use influences youth and find alternative ways to address this serious issue.
This document discusses steroids, their uses and health risks. It notes that steroids are synthetic substances similar to testosterone that are sometimes prescribed to treat medical conditions but are often used illegally to build muscle. While steroids can help gain muscle mass quickly, they carry many serious health risks affecting both physical and mental health. The document warns that teens may feel pressure to use steroids to improve sports performance, but their use poses growth risks and other dangers for young people. Famous athletes like Barry Bonds and Marion Jones have faced legal and career consequences for steroid use.
This document discusses the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports. It provides perspectives from former baseball player Skye Severns and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve Bast on what constitutes a PED and why athletes use them. It also discusses the history of PED use in baseball dating back to the 19th century, key events like the Mitchell Report, and the ongoing challenges of regulating their use.
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.
Steroids should be banned in sports for several reasons. They have many negative health effects on both male and female athletes, including acne, hair loss, mood swings, and increased cancer risk. They also provide an unfair physical advantage over natural athletes and go against the rules and spirit of competition. While steroids can help build muscle mass, sports have rules in place to protect athletes and ensure fair competition, which is why various athletic organizations ban their use.
Anabolic steroids should remain illegal in professional football for several reasons. Legalizing steroids would likely lead to increased use in lower levels of play like college and high school as younger players try to emulate professionals. This could put younger, developing players at serious health risks from side effects of steroids. It would also undermine the integrity of the sport by suggesting success comes from drugs rather than athletic ability and training. Keeping steroids illegal at the professional level helps enforce the rules at lower levels and protects both player health and the purity of football.
This document discusses the types and effects of anabolic steroid use among young adults. It outlines three main types of steroids - anabolic, corticosteroid, and androgenic - and the pressures that lead young people to use steroids like wanting to improve athletic performance or achieve a certain body image. However, steroid use can have serious side effects like acne, gynecomastia, depression, aggression and even death. The document warns of these health risks and suggests alternative natural ways to improve fitness without steroids like diet, exercise and determination.
The document discusses the issue of steroid use among professional and amateur athletes. It notes that while some fans accept steroid use because it leads to more impressive athletic feats, it sets a bad example for young athletes and can negatively impact their health. Rates of steroid use have increased among high school athletes, showing professional athletes are influencing youth in a harmful way. The document argues athletes caught using steroids need harsher punishment to deter the behavior and protect amateur sports.
This document discusses the negative influence of steroid use among athletes. It notes that while some claim steroids make sports more entertaining, they actually hurt athletes' health and influence young people in a harmful way. Steroid use is now occurring among high school athletes, and some states are implementing drug testing for high school sports. The document examines reasons some athletes use steroids, like pressure to perform, but argues they should improve themselves through natural training instead. It concludes that professional athletes need to consider how their steroid use influences youth and find alternative ways to address this serious issue.
This document discusses steroids, their uses and health risks. It notes that steroids are synthetic substances similar to testosterone that are sometimes prescribed to treat medical conditions but are often used illegally to build muscle. While steroids can help gain muscle mass quickly, they carry many serious health risks affecting both physical and mental health. The document warns that teens may feel pressure to use steroids to improve sports performance, but their use poses growth risks and other dangers for young people. Famous athletes like Barry Bonds and Marion Jones have faced legal and career consequences for steroid use.
This document discusses the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in sports. It provides perspectives from former baseball player Skye Severns and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve Bast on what constitutes a PED and why athletes use them. It also discusses the history of PED use in baseball dating back to the 19th century, key events like the Mitchell Report, and the ongoing challenges of regulating their use.
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.
Steroids should be banned in sports for several reasons. They have many negative health effects on both male and female athletes, including acne, hair loss, mood swings, and increased cancer risk. They also provide an unfair physical advantage over natural athletes and go against the rules and spirit of competition. While steroids can help build muscle mass, sports have rules in place to protect athletes and ensure fair competition, which is why various athletic organizations ban their use.
Anabolic steroids should remain illegal in professional football for several reasons. Legalizing steroids would likely lead to increased use in lower levels of play like college and high school as younger players try to emulate professionals. This could put younger, developing players at serious health risks from side effects of steroids. It would also undermine the integrity of the sport by suggesting success comes from drugs rather than athletic ability and training. Keeping steroids illegal at the professional level helps enforce the rules at lower levels and protects both player health and the purity of football.
This document discusses the types and effects of anabolic steroid use among young adults. It outlines three main types of steroids - anabolic, corticosteroid, and androgenic - and the pressures that lead young people to use steroids like wanting to improve athletic performance or achieve a certain body image. However, steroid use can have serious side effects like acne, gynecomastia, depression, aggression and even death. The document warns of these health risks and suggests alternative natural ways to improve fitness without steroids like diet, exercise and determination.
Steroids are drugs that can physically change one's appearance, attitude, and life. They are used by many athletes, bodybuilders, and people with medical conditions to build muscle and prevent muscle breakdown, but can have dangerous side effects like shrinking testicles, liver tumors, heart issues, and violent behavior. Both men and women use steroids, but they are not necessary to gain strength or improve performance and can negatively impact health and sports.
1. The document discusses the negative effects of steroid use by teens, including both physical side effects like acne, baldness, and cancer as well as non-physical reasons for teen steroid use like peer pressure and a desire to gain popularity or scholarships.
2. While steroids can provide physical benefits like increased strength and muscle size, they also carry serious health risks for both physical and mental development.
3. The document aims to convince readers that using steroids illegally or solely for physical benefit is dangerous and not worth the potential side effects and health consequences.
Steroids have been prevalent in professional sports and are increasingly used by younger athletes seeking competitive advantages. However, steroids can cause serious short and long-term health effects. While steroids may help build muscle and improve athletic performance, side effects include infertility, acne, liver damage, heart disease, psychiatric issues, and stunted growth in teens. Educating young athletes about the dangers of steroid use is important to curb abuse and protect health.
There is a correlation between gender and awareness of health risks associated with steroid use. Females surveyed tended to have greater awareness - 85% said they were aware of risks compared to 65% of males. More females (65%) reported a level of understanding of risks rated 3 or above on a scale of 0-5 compared to 60% of males. Fewer males (25%) reported a level of understanding of 4 or above compared to 50% of females. Additionally, more males (38%) knew someone who used steroids in sports compared to females (20%). Overall, most respondents would not use steroids if aware of health risks, but slightly more females (15%) reported they would not compared to males (15%).
The document discusses the dangers of steroid use among young people. It describes the three main types of steroids, the pressures that can lead to use, perceived benefits like increased strength and muscle growth, and serious health side effects like liver damage, cancer, acne, and mental health issues. The side effects are illustrated with graphic photos of acne scarring and male breast growth. Stories are shared of pro wrestler Chris Benoit who killed his family during a roid rage episode and NFL player Ed Gantner who committed suicide after battling steroid-induced depression. Alternatives to steroids for fitness goals are suggested like diet, exercise, and hard work.
This document discusses steroids, their uses and risks. It notes that steroids can build muscle quickly but have many health risks. These risks include infertility, acne, cancer, aggression and depression. The document warns that teens may feel pressure to use steroids to improve sports performance, but steroid use carries many dangers, especially for young people still developing. Famous athletes like Barry Bonds and Marion Jones have faced legal troubles for steroid use.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that are either prescribed by doctors or abused at much higher doses to build muscle mass. While most people believe steroid abuse only impacts professional athletes, studies show it is prevalent among non-professional adult males, including those in occupations like law enforcement and the military. Steroids can be taken orally or through injection, and users may engage in practices like stacking or cycling different steroids. They provide benefits like increased strength and size but also serious health risks such as heart and kidney failure. Treatment options are limited and steroids can be addictive, though testing and penalties are not stringent for student and professional athletes.
The document discusses the benefits and costs of anabolic steroids and argues they should be legalized. It notes steroids can help build muscle mass and enhance performance, but also carry health risks like liver damage and psychological problems. However, it claims the mortality rate of steroids is very low compared to legal substances like alcohol and tobacco. It also argues steroids are not treated equally to other drugs and better regulation could make them safer while reducing the black market. The document concludes most steroid users are recreational rather than athletes and that legalization may generate tax revenue.
Steroid use in sports has been a major issue for decades but has grown significantly more prevalent in recent years. Various leagues have implemented drug testing and punishments but steroid use continues as athletes look for an edge. More coordinated efforts between governments and sports organizations are needed to curb this problem through improved testing that can detect all types of steroids.
This document discusses steroids in sports, including what steroids are, how and why athletes take them, and their effects on the human body. It also covers testing methods for high school and professional athletes, as well as steroid prevention programs. Finally, it examines the impact of steroids on the sports industry and their potential future role.
1) Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone that are prescribed to treat medical issues but are also used illegally to build muscle mass.
2) Early Olympic athletes were known to ingest animal testicles before competitions in an early form of doping, and modern doping with steroids has been occurring for thousands of years in sports.
3) Men who take steroids illegally often develop feminine characteristics like grown breasts and have decreased sperm counts and testicle shrinkage, while some high-profile athletes like Lance Armstrong have been accused of orchestrating doping rings in their sports.
Steroids are synthetic hormones that can boost muscle growth but have serious health risks. They are sometimes used illegally by athletes hoping to improve performance, but can cause baldness, acne, infertility, and even kidney or heart failure in men, and masculine traits in women. The document discusses both the physical effects of steroids and the argument that their use in professional sports should be more strictly regulated due to health risks and the potential to influence young athletes.
Robert Oslinker - Steroids in Pro Sports Research Analysisrho91695
The document discusses research on steroid use among athletes and adolescents. It reviews previous studies that found correlations between media exposure, body dissatisfaction, and steroid use. The author proposes conducting a study using a sample of 80-100 athletes from various levels of competition. The study would examine the relationship between steroid use and variables like media influence, body image, financial incentives, demographics, and sport played. Hypotheses predict relationships between these factors and greater likelihood of steroid use.
Steroids in sports medicine by ankush mahajanAnkush Mahajan
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone that are often used to enhance strength and physique. While they can improve athletic performance, prolonged use has serious health risks. Steroid use shuts down the body's natural testosterone production and can negatively impact the reproductive, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. Side effects range from physical changes like acne to life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and liver cancer. Education is needed to increase awareness of both the benefits and serious risks of anabolic steroid use among athletes and bodybuilders.
Steroid use among high school athletes is a growing problem. Steroids are performance-enhancing drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone and can help build muscle and increase endurance. High school athletes may feel pressure to use steroids to get athletic scholarships or please coaches. However, steroid use can have negative health effects and is often due to peer pressure. When used, steroids can improve athletic performance in the short term but long-term use can cause mood disorders, cognitive issues, and other health problems.
This document discusses two types of steroids - anabolic steroids and corticosteroids. Anabolic steroids are used to build muscle mass and increase strength, while corticosteroids are used as anti-inflammatory drugs to treat illnesses. Both can be taken orally or through injection. Common side effects of anabolic steroids include health risks like heart disease, while side effects of corticosteroids include weight gain and easy bruising. The document also mentions views of bodybuilder Jay Cutler who sees steroid use as necessary in bodybuilding competitions.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone that are used to build muscle mass but can have dangerous side effects. They work by increasing muscle, aggression and cholesterol levels but can also cause acne, baldness, breast growth in men, shrunken testicles, and potentially fatal heart damage or liver cysts. Women risk masculinization including facial hair growth and enlarged clitoris. Both sexes may experience early baldness, stunted growth if taken during teenage years, and decreased fertility.
Andrew Trevino argues against the use of steroids by male high school athletes. He details the physical side effects of steroid use including acne, shrunken testicles, breast growth, and increased risk of heart disease and cancer. Trevino also discusses the psychological effects such as aggression, depression, and in rare cases psychosis. Research shows over 50% of male steroid users also use other illegal drugs. Overall, Trevino urges athletes to improve their skills through natural training and a healthy lifestyle rather than risking long-term health consequences from steroid use.
Steroid use has been prevalent in professional sports for decades and more recently in high school athletics as younger athletes seek competitive advantages. Steroids are synthetic hormones that build muscle but have severe health risks including liver damage, heart disease, psychiatric issues and stunted growth in teens. While some states have policies to educate students and deter use, more needs to be done as steroid abuse remains an ongoing problem, damaging athletes' health and the integrity of competition.
1) Anabolic steroid use has become an issue in some Colorado high schools, with a few football players using steroids.
2) The document proposes that high school football coaches be trained to educate players about the dangers of steroid use and promote healthier training techniques as alternatives.
3) It specifically recommends that Colorado implement the ATLAS steroid education program, which has been shown to effectively increase knowledge about steroids while decreasing intentions to use them.
The document is a research proposal that aims to study the effects of steroids on the human body and their impact and use in sports. The proposal outlines that the researcher wants to understand the benefits and side effects of steroid use, as well as how commonly they are used in different sports. The researcher plans to write the findings as a magazine article to educate young athletes on the dangers of steroid usage.
Steroids are drugs that can physically change one's appearance, attitude, and life. They are used by many athletes, bodybuilders, and people with medical conditions to build muscle and prevent muscle breakdown, but can have dangerous side effects like shrinking testicles, liver tumors, heart issues, and violent behavior. Both men and women use steroids, but they are not necessary to gain strength or improve performance and can negatively impact health and sports.
1. The document discusses the negative effects of steroid use by teens, including both physical side effects like acne, baldness, and cancer as well as non-physical reasons for teen steroid use like peer pressure and a desire to gain popularity or scholarships.
2. While steroids can provide physical benefits like increased strength and muscle size, they also carry serious health risks for both physical and mental development.
3. The document aims to convince readers that using steroids illegally or solely for physical benefit is dangerous and not worth the potential side effects and health consequences.
Steroids have been prevalent in professional sports and are increasingly used by younger athletes seeking competitive advantages. However, steroids can cause serious short and long-term health effects. While steroids may help build muscle and improve athletic performance, side effects include infertility, acne, liver damage, heart disease, psychiatric issues, and stunted growth in teens. Educating young athletes about the dangers of steroid use is important to curb abuse and protect health.
There is a correlation between gender and awareness of health risks associated with steroid use. Females surveyed tended to have greater awareness - 85% said they were aware of risks compared to 65% of males. More females (65%) reported a level of understanding of risks rated 3 or above on a scale of 0-5 compared to 60% of males. Fewer males (25%) reported a level of understanding of 4 or above compared to 50% of females. Additionally, more males (38%) knew someone who used steroids in sports compared to females (20%). Overall, most respondents would not use steroids if aware of health risks, but slightly more females (15%) reported they would not compared to males (15%).
The document discusses the dangers of steroid use among young people. It describes the three main types of steroids, the pressures that can lead to use, perceived benefits like increased strength and muscle growth, and serious health side effects like liver damage, cancer, acne, and mental health issues. The side effects are illustrated with graphic photos of acne scarring and male breast growth. Stories are shared of pro wrestler Chris Benoit who killed his family during a roid rage episode and NFL player Ed Gantner who committed suicide after battling steroid-induced depression. Alternatives to steroids for fitness goals are suggested like diet, exercise, and hard work.
This document discusses steroids, their uses and risks. It notes that steroids can build muscle quickly but have many health risks. These risks include infertility, acne, cancer, aggression and depression. The document warns that teens may feel pressure to use steroids to improve sports performance, but steroid use carries many dangers, especially for young people still developing. Famous athletes like Barry Bonds and Marion Jones have faced legal troubles for steroid use.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that are either prescribed by doctors or abused at much higher doses to build muscle mass. While most people believe steroid abuse only impacts professional athletes, studies show it is prevalent among non-professional adult males, including those in occupations like law enforcement and the military. Steroids can be taken orally or through injection, and users may engage in practices like stacking or cycling different steroids. They provide benefits like increased strength and size but also serious health risks such as heart and kidney failure. Treatment options are limited and steroids can be addictive, though testing and penalties are not stringent for student and professional athletes.
The document discusses the benefits and costs of anabolic steroids and argues they should be legalized. It notes steroids can help build muscle mass and enhance performance, but also carry health risks like liver damage and psychological problems. However, it claims the mortality rate of steroids is very low compared to legal substances like alcohol and tobacco. It also argues steroids are not treated equally to other drugs and better regulation could make them safer while reducing the black market. The document concludes most steroid users are recreational rather than athletes and that legalization may generate tax revenue.
Steroid use in sports has been a major issue for decades but has grown significantly more prevalent in recent years. Various leagues have implemented drug testing and punishments but steroid use continues as athletes look for an edge. More coordinated efforts between governments and sports organizations are needed to curb this problem through improved testing that can detect all types of steroids.
This document discusses steroids in sports, including what steroids are, how and why athletes take them, and their effects on the human body. It also covers testing methods for high school and professional athletes, as well as steroid prevention programs. Finally, it examines the impact of steroids on the sports industry and their potential future role.
1) Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone that are prescribed to treat medical issues but are also used illegally to build muscle mass.
2) Early Olympic athletes were known to ingest animal testicles before competitions in an early form of doping, and modern doping with steroids has been occurring for thousands of years in sports.
3) Men who take steroids illegally often develop feminine characteristics like grown breasts and have decreased sperm counts and testicle shrinkage, while some high-profile athletes like Lance Armstrong have been accused of orchestrating doping rings in their sports.
Steroids are synthetic hormones that can boost muscle growth but have serious health risks. They are sometimes used illegally by athletes hoping to improve performance, but can cause baldness, acne, infertility, and even kidney or heart failure in men, and masculine traits in women. The document discusses both the physical effects of steroids and the argument that their use in professional sports should be more strictly regulated due to health risks and the potential to influence young athletes.
Robert Oslinker - Steroids in Pro Sports Research Analysisrho91695
The document discusses research on steroid use among athletes and adolescents. It reviews previous studies that found correlations between media exposure, body dissatisfaction, and steroid use. The author proposes conducting a study using a sample of 80-100 athletes from various levels of competition. The study would examine the relationship between steroid use and variables like media influence, body image, financial incentives, demographics, and sport played. Hypotheses predict relationships between these factors and greater likelihood of steroid use.
Steroids in sports medicine by ankush mahajanAnkush Mahajan
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone that are often used to enhance strength and physique. While they can improve athletic performance, prolonged use has serious health risks. Steroid use shuts down the body's natural testosterone production and can negatively impact the reproductive, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. Side effects range from physical changes like acne to life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and liver cancer. Education is needed to increase awareness of both the benefits and serious risks of anabolic steroid use among athletes and bodybuilders.
Steroid use among high school athletes is a growing problem. Steroids are performance-enhancing drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone and can help build muscle and increase endurance. High school athletes may feel pressure to use steroids to get athletic scholarships or please coaches. However, steroid use can have negative health effects and is often due to peer pressure. When used, steroids can improve athletic performance in the short term but long-term use can cause mood disorders, cognitive issues, and other health problems.
This document discusses two types of steroids - anabolic steroids and corticosteroids. Anabolic steroids are used to build muscle mass and increase strength, while corticosteroids are used as anti-inflammatory drugs to treat illnesses. Both can be taken orally or through injection. Common side effects of anabolic steroids include health risks like heart disease, while side effects of corticosteroids include weight gain and easy bruising. The document also mentions views of bodybuilder Jay Cutler who sees steroid use as necessary in bodybuilding competitions.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone that are used to build muscle mass but can have dangerous side effects. They work by increasing muscle, aggression and cholesterol levels but can also cause acne, baldness, breast growth in men, shrunken testicles, and potentially fatal heart damage or liver cysts. Women risk masculinization including facial hair growth and enlarged clitoris. Both sexes may experience early baldness, stunted growth if taken during teenage years, and decreased fertility.
Andrew Trevino argues against the use of steroids by male high school athletes. He details the physical side effects of steroid use including acne, shrunken testicles, breast growth, and increased risk of heart disease and cancer. Trevino also discusses the psychological effects such as aggression, depression, and in rare cases psychosis. Research shows over 50% of male steroid users also use other illegal drugs. Overall, Trevino urges athletes to improve their skills through natural training and a healthy lifestyle rather than risking long-term health consequences from steroid use.
Steroid use has been prevalent in professional sports for decades and more recently in high school athletics as younger athletes seek competitive advantages. Steroids are synthetic hormones that build muscle but have severe health risks including liver damage, heart disease, psychiatric issues and stunted growth in teens. While some states have policies to educate students and deter use, more needs to be done as steroid abuse remains an ongoing problem, damaging athletes' health and the integrity of competition.
1) Anabolic steroid use has become an issue in some Colorado high schools, with a few football players using steroids.
2) The document proposes that high school football coaches be trained to educate players about the dangers of steroid use and promote healthier training techniques as alternatives.
3) It specifically recommends that Colorado implement the ATLAS steroid education program, which has been shown to effectively increase knowledge about steroids while decreasing intentions to use them.
The document is a research proposal that aims to study the effects of steroids on the human body and their impact and use in sports. The proposal outlines that the researcher wants to understand the benefits and side effects of steroid use, as well as how commonly they are used in different sports. The researcher plans to write the findings as a magazine article to educate young athletes on the dangers of steroid usage.
Quinn Heydt: Steroids And Issues Of Inequality And Moralitymerlyna
The document discusses how steroid use in professional sports creates inequality and raises issues of morality. It provides examples from articles of athletes who feel they have to use steroids to compete or perform given the pressure to succeed. Long-term health effects from steroid use can also create inequality when athletes are no longer able to compete professionally due to deteriorating health. Unless steroid use is better regulated, inequality between users and non-users and questions of ethics will persist in professional sports.
This document discusses the issue of steroid use in professional and amateur sports. It notes that steroids have been prevalent in baseball and other sports and have led to scandals involving stars like Barry Bonds. While steroids build muscle mass and strength, they also have serious health side effects affecting the liver, heart, mental state and more. The document expresses concern that younger athletes may use steroids to enhance performance, but this could stunt growth and carry health risks. It stresses the importance of educating athletes about the dangers of steroid use and promoting healthy alternatives to success in sports.
This document discusses the issue of steroid use in sports. It notes that steroids have been prevalent in many professional sports and some younger athletes now use them to gain competitive advantages. However, steroids come with many health risks, such as liver damage, heart disease, psychiatric issues, and stunted growth in teenagers. While steroids may help athletic performance, they are illegal without a prescription and have long-term negative effects. The document advocates for educating young athletes on the dangers of steroid use through positive role models, testing programs in schools, and conversations with parents and coaches.
1. Racster 1
David Racster
Professor DiSarro
English 103
17 November 2010
Steroids and its’ Negative Influence
What is the best way to get big quick? Most would say to go to the gym or start a more
intense workout program. It is contrary for some professional athletes that go against the correct
way to maximize their strength and take anabolic steroids. It’s clearly known when participating
in a professional sport then it is an unfair advantage for them to take any drugs at all. This
problem continues to increase, and needs to be dealt with properly. If not, then more young
adults and kids will continue to follow in their favorite athlete’s footsteps and use this harmful
drug. There are some people that may say it’s making the sport more entertaining and
competitive, but in actuality it’s hurting the players themselves and especially those people they
influence.
Not only are professional athletes getting caught using steroids, but now it is trickling
down to high school athletes as well. This is completely ridiculous to think that teenagers can
get their hands steroids. The latest state to handle this issue has been Texas; they have taken it
out of the hands of educators and are making a test necessary for all athletes to take before they
can play in a sport. This is a great reason why parents are becoming angry about the influence
professional athletes are having on their children. It is known that things are getting worse when
it comes to steroid abuse because 20 years ago people wouldn’t have thought that tests would be
conducted as early as high school. Professional athletes are to blame, because without them the
2. Racster 2
idea of using steroids for sports wouldn’t be an option. Though quite a bit of people tend to think
that athletes aren’t meant to be role models, unlike parents, teachers, and community leaders who
are. It’s clearly a bad sign when high school athletes are getting caught using steroids at such an
increasing rate. The percent of high school athletes that have abused has gone from 6 percent to
11 percent within the past three years. (Goldman 54) I feel professional players caught using
these steroids need to have a more harsh punishment then what they are now. A lot of this
negativity is happening due to our country being an instant gratification society. The US has
slowly become more and more of this type country and it has a lot to do with the medical and
technological advances. If someone doesn’t feel good, then all one has to do is a take a pill or a
drug and he will feel better or at least think so. This concept correlates with many other parts of
life, from fast food restaurants to online shopping. Both of these two examples illustrate how our
society creates ways to get things as fast as they can, even if they aren’t the best.
For those people that understand athletes and their use of steroids, well there can be
multiple reasons why. First off, what is one thing people love watching in sports, specifically
baseball? It’s obviously the hard hits and homerun balls being hit out of the ballpark. Lately in
the national football league (NFL) players have been caught using steroids, too. One well-known
player that was caught was Brian Cushings, last years AFC Rookie of the Year. Come summer
time he was caught with anabolic steroids in his system. In return, they had to revote on whether
he should still be considered the rookie of the year knowing that he had taken steroids, and of
course he retained the title. There are always some people who want to see the greatest no matter
what. Another example would be the baseball player we all know, Barry Bonds. In the 2001, in
one season Barry Bonds blew up and hit a major league baseball record with 73 homeruns. He
broke Mark McGuire’s homerun record by three homeruns; McGuire was also accused and later
3. Racster 3
admitted to taking steroids. In San Francisco, fans love it when a player hits the ball out of the
ballpark and they even call it the McCovey Cove. Barry Bonds is the all-time leader with the
amount of balls being hit out of that ballpark with 35. There have only been 55 hit out total, so he
has more than half of them. Most fans love it when it happens and don’t care if Bonds was on
steroids or not. Then, there are also a few people that shun pro athletes in ways too, such as;
holding signs up, throwing syringes on the field, and loud vulgar shouting. Some of the most
excited fans are kids, and that’s the depressing when they see what players have accomplished
with the use of steroids.
Steroids just hurt the sport, and are a bad influence on the kids that want to play sports. If
athletes want to increase their body mass and become stronger they should have to work on that
without the influence of steroids or even the thoughts of taking them. Not only can one be
suspended or even kicked out of a sport for using, but also can extremely risk the state of their
health. Psychological effects appear to be the only consequence of an overdose of anabolic
steroids, but long-term usage can lead to infertility, testicular atrophy (in males) and disturbances
of the menstrual cycle (in females). (Graham, Michael R 513) The severity depends on which
steroid or combination of steroids that are being abused. The brain (psyche), the skin (acne), and
the liver (hepatis) are three main parts of the body that get abused by shooting steroids. (Graham,
Michael R 513) In 1994, recreational bodybuilders attending a Welsh needle-exchange clinic
completed a survey on feelings of hostility/aggression. Subjects reported significantly higher
feelings of aggression towards objects, verbal aggression and aggression during training. During
the 6 to 14 week AAS period, other changes included significantly higher feelings of alienation,
irritability, anxiety, suspiciousness, and negativism. This shows that there are tremendous
negative effects of using anabolic steroid, not just the glory that fans get to see. (Graham,
4. Racster 4
Michael R 513)
In today's world everyone seems to have a certain look that they either want to portray or
they need to have just to be what they want to be in life. Life is important to about most people
and to be able to get somewhere in life, some have to do certain things just to get there. Some
people have low self esteem that if they do not look a certain way that they either would not be
successful or be noticed by anyone. As an athlete in the present time of the world today it is the
most competitive things to have as a job or an activity in your life. There is always someone
better then you when it comes to sports and being an athlete. There are choices that they have to
make in order to be better than that one person that comes between them in getting a full ride to a
most prestigious sports college, or being on a NFL or NBA team. And in those choices is to take
the cheating route and take anabolic steroids. Lets just hope that future and present athletes stop
making that choice and lead by example. Further more, steroid use isn’t just a problem with high
school students and professionals, but with college students as well. There have been college
students that have decided to take anabolic steroids to maximize their strength, for college level
sports and frivolous lifting. (Munro 112) They, like everyone else, want to get big quick and
decide to go beyond what’s right and hurt their body. With a high combined population of high
school and college students’ anabolic steroid use, people should be aware of how serious of an
issue it is that professionals are influencing.
Present players need to think of how they are affecting younger athletes. The
suspensions aren’t doing what they need to be doing, someone has to take charge and think of
another way to deal with it. People can be for it and against it, but all in all the professional
athletes taking these steroids are non-verbally saying it is all right if you take steroids; and that’s
not positive for young athletes to think at all. They need to get to that high level of play on their
5. Racster 5
own, not by taking steroids. This can carry on into life in general and not just sports.
6. Racster 6
Work Cited
Goldman, Bob. Death in the locker room: steroids & sports. South Bend, IN. Icarus Press. 1984.
Print.
Graham, Michael R., et al. "Anabolic Steroid Use." Sports Medicine 38.6 (2008): 505- 525.
Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 3 Nov. 2010. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?
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Munro, Regina. Anabolic steroids: knowledge, attitude, and behavior in college age students.
Arizona State University: 1991. Print.