Transcript I have never used steroids. Period

“I have never used steroids. Period“
– Rafael Palmeiro 3/17/2005
What are steroids?

The proper name for “steroids” is anabolicandrogenic steroids, they are synthetic versions
of the male sex hormone testosterone

Anabolic refers to muscle-building

Androgenic refers to male sex hormones

Steroids are chemical substances derived from
cholesterol, including estrogen (the female sex
hormone)

Steroids can be taken orally or injected

There are over 100 kinds of steroids, the most
common are anadrol, dianabol, winstrol, and
deca-durabolin
Why are steroids used?

Anabolic steroids build up muscle and bone
mass along with decreasing the recovery time

Simply put, steroids work and they work fast
– the biggest strength gains are observed in
the first 3 weeks of use

Adding 25 lbs of muscle is not uncommon
“These kids were gaining 75 pounds
on their bench press in a month or
so“ – Dave Walls, former Plano
Senior High football player (TX)
“I could grab a 10-foot-rim. I could jump a few inches
higher than the rim. It kind of freaked me out at first”
– Anonymous Colleyville High (TX) studentathlete
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2005/steroids/index.html
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/2005-05-04-hs-steroids-cover_x.htm
Where do adolescents get steroids?

The most common source of steroids is
from smuggling from other countries
(such as Mexico and European countries)

Most high school students obtain steroids
from friends, family, and other studentathletes

The Internet serves as a virtual hangout
where teenagers and adults exchange
information about buying and using
steroids and pick up tips on managing
side effects

Steroids are commonly known as roids,
juice, arnolds, gym candy, strength
trainers and gear
Prevalence of steroids in adolescents

3.4% of 12th graders reported taking
steroids at least once (NIDA research)

2.5% of 10th graders and 1.6% of 8th graders
reported taking steroids at least once

More than one million young people are
taking steroids illegally

The secrecy surrounding steroid use makes
it difficult to document the extent of the
problem
http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/HSYouthtrends.html
Student Survey (CA high schools – March 2004)
Do you, or anyone you know take anabolic
steroids?
Yes – 13% boys
10% girls
Are you personally aware of coaches or other
sports related staff promoting the use of these
substances?
Yes – 18% boys
7% girls
68,780
19,196
http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/HSYouthtrends.html
Who is taking steroids?

Surveys and studies show that steroid use is highest
among senior boys and athletes

Male athletes overall are no more likely to use
anabolic steroids than male non-athletes, only highly
involved athletes are more likely to use steroids (one
and half times more likely)

Studies have shown that growing numbers of young
girls are beginning to use steroids, with usage at
about 2% (highly involved female athletes are twice
as likely to use steroids than non-athletes)
“It used to be bulimia was the fad choice … This is the new
thing.... Now it's attractive to be thin and toned“ – Dr.
Amanda Gruber, Psychiatrist at Harvard University
Hospital
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0616/p01s01-ussc.html
http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/cgi-bin/iowa/issues/body/article.html?record=771
http://election.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/03/25/health/main608758.shtml
Reasons why adolescents take steroids
1)
2)
3)
4)
Athletic Performance
Increase Muscle Size/Reduce Body Fat
History of Physical Abuse
Part of a Pattern of At-Risk Behavior

A recent study found that more than half of boys
ages 11 to 17 chose as their physical ideal an image
possible to attain only by using steroids

Males are experiencing body image anxiety at
increasingly younger ages

One-third of girls and almost as many boys said
they frequently thought about wanting more toned
or defined muscles
http://www.drugstory.org/pdfs/musclemadness2.pdf
http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=12212&sidebar=574&category=wellness
What are the adverse effects of steroids?
Long-term effects:
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In adolescents, steroids can signal the bones to stop growing

Steroid abuse has been associated with cardiovascular diseases,
even in athletes younger than 30

Steroids have been linked to liver and other forms of cancer

An undetermined percentage of steroid abusers become
addicted to the drug and experience withdrawal symptoms
Short-term effects

Studies suggest that steroids increase irritability and aggression,
it is known as “roid rage”

Steroids have been reported to cause mood swings, depression,
distractibility, forgetfulness, and confusion

Acne, especially on the back, is a common side effect of steroids
http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/RRSteroi.pdf
Sex-specific adverse effects of steroids
In boys and men:
 Reduced sperm production
 Shrinking of testicles
 Baldness
 Irreversible breast enlargement
In girls and women:
 Decreased breast size
 Deepening of the voice
 Body hair
 Baldness
 Menstrual irregularities
http://www.drugabuse.gov/PDF/RRSteroi.pdf
National programs for steroid prevention

Due to the secrecy surrounding steroid use and the
relative small numbers of steroid users there are
few local programs to prevent steroid use

NIDA’s “Game Plan” included launching a
website, distribution of bulletins, posters, and other
resources for information on steroids

NIDA supported the foundation of ATLAS and
ATHETAS, gender specific model programs to
prevent steroid abuse in Oregon High Schools

The research shows that incorporating peer-led
drug abuse prevention and health promotion
curricula into sport team settings is effective
http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugpages/steroids.html
Legislative approach for steroid prevention

California was the first state to establish steroid rules specifically
for high-school students in 2005

CIF implemented 3 anti-steroids measures in 2005:
•
A written pledge signed by students
•
Mandated education and training in steroids and musclebuilding dietary supplements for the state's coaches to help
them spot steroid use and warn players about the health
dangers
•
A prohibition on school sponsorships from any musclebuilding supplements and a ban on any school staff
members encouraging or distributing muscle-building
supplements. Violators would be subject to personnel
actions by their schools or districts

A handful of schools are already testing for steroids, including
Brawley Union High (CA)

The high cost testing for steroids - $50 to $150 dollars per test – is
the biggest deterrent for testing
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/2005-05-04-hs-steroids-cover_x.htm
Conclusion

The use of anabolic steroids in adolescents is
particularly important because not all steroid
users experience the same adverse effects, and
many serious problems require months or years
to develop

Young people should be educated anabolic
steroids are dangerous drugs with realistic
messages and not “scare tactics”

Experts suggest that even a limited random
testing program is better than nothing

The research shows that incorporating peer-led
drug abuse prevention and health promotion
curricula into sport team settings is effective
http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugpages/steroids.html
Additional Resources
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/
http://www.steroidabuse.gov/
http://www.cifstate.org/