Why Steroids are Dangerous to Athletes

What are Steroids?

Steroids are naturally occurring chemicals in the human body that increase growth such as the hormone, testosterone. There are oral steroids that come in a pill form and steroids that must be injected. Some people who participate in competitive sports or bodybuilding will be tempted to try steroids in order to gain a perceived edge over their competition in enjoying more benefits and gains from their workouts than they had before. However, steroids can be very harmful to health, and over the long run cause many problems for athletes who are striving for a healthy physique.

What is Steroid Abuse?

Steroid abuse is any use of steroids that is not prescribed by a doctor. Without careful monitoring by a doctor in the course of treatment for a diagnosed medical condition, steroids are not safe to use. Most people who abuse steroids obtain them illegally. In some competitive sports and in gyms, use of steroids is promoted, similar to peer pressure to try other illegal drugs. Men are not the only group that abuses steroids; sometimes female bodybuilders also use them in order to try to make bigger gains in muscle than they could have naturally. While steroids are banned in many competitive sports and competitors are tested and must abide by strict rules, in some bodybuilding competitions, steroid use is widely accepted. However, that does not make steroid abuse any less dangerous.

How is Steroid Abuse Harmful to a Person's Health?

The harmful effects of steroids can be both short-term and long-term, and mental as well as physical. Steroids have harmful effects on the heart, liver, and thyroid gland and can decrease the body's natural production of hormones. Bloating and acne can occur after continued use of steroids. In younger athletes, use of testosterone can stunt growth. Men may develop thinning hair and feminine qualities, such as enlarged breast tissue. Reproductive health may be affected, and common symptoms are shrinking testicles and lowered sperm count. Women, on the other hand, may experience a deeper sounding vocal pitch, loss of breast tissue, changes in menstrual cycle, and growth of facial hair. Digestive problems are linked to steroid abuse, particularly for oral steroids. Steroid injection carries many of the same risks as addiction to other types of IV drug use, such as hepatitis and HIV. Steroids are well-known to have the psychological effect of increasing aggression. The mood swings associated with steroid use can be very unpredictable, and cause a person to not act like themselves.

What Should I Do About a Steroid Addiction?

Steroids can be addictive just like many other substances, and users may experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms similar to many other types of drug use. Considering that steroid use is illegal and has very dangerous, possibly permanent, risks to a person's health, it is extremely important for a person who is dealing with a steroid addiction to seek help right away. Steroids can be psychologically addicting for users because they actually do promote growth and boost energy, which is what causes many users to become addicted. Overall, the risks are not worth these perceived benefits, and anyone who uses steroids illegally and not under the care of a doctor should consider getting help to prevent future health problems. A drug rehab Michigan treatment center can help those with problems with addiction to steroids and other substances. Meta: Why steroids are dangerous to athletes are the same reasons they are for everyone who abuses them. Short and long-term effects of steroids can be very harmful.

Five Drugs That Teens Commonly Turn To

In a recent survey, over 60 percent of teenagers reported that drugs were either kept, used, or sold, in their school. This alarming statistic indicates a more troubling reality: teenage drug use is on the rise. Teens are exposed to a wider variety of drugs, and in greater quantities, than ever before. Drug rehab centers for teenagers have sprung up across the country - and many now have waiting lists that are months long. In this article, you'll learn the need-to-know facts about the five most common drugs which are now fueling the teenage drug epidemic.

Marijuana

By the end of their middle school years, over 15 percent of teenagers have tried marijuana. Long viewed as the classic teenage "gateway" drug, marijuana is a drug with a long history that's familiar to the parents of today. However, there are some important differences between today's marijuana and the marijuana that fueled the psychedelic 60s. With advanced growing techniques, marijuana is far more potent than ever before. The drug's active component, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), is present in quantities up to 10 times greater than marijuana produced just a decade ago. Although marijuana does not build physical addiction, psychological dependency is rampant among teenage users. Over time, the drug can also result in short-term memory loss and weakened immune system, putting teens at risk for other health problems.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is the most widely used "club drug" among teens, famous for its ability to induce uninhibited behavior. Ecstasy is normally bought, sold, and consumed in pill form, making the drug especially difficult to spot by parents, teachers, and law enforcement. Because ecstasy affects both the circulatory system and brain function, seizures and heart arrhythmia are particular concerns among teen ecstasy users. Although rarely fatal, the drug can also lead to long-term kidney damage.

Prescription Drugs

According to recent data, over 2,000 teenagers abuse prescription drugs for the first time every month, making prescription drugs one of the fastest growing subsets of illicit drug use among adolescents. Teens misuse prescription drugs for a variety of reasons; however, the most commonly abused medications fall into two broad categories. Opiates like Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are used purely recreationally, and produce a traditional "high." Stimulants like Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin) are used to increase alertness and focus, enhancing academic performance. Regardless of intent, studies have shown that teenagers who abuse prescription drugs are far more likely to abuse other drugs as well.

Inhalants

Inhalants are widely used among teens largely due to their easy availability. Inhalant gasses, which give a quick but powerful high, can be found almost ubiquitously in common aerosol spray cans, permanent markers, industrial paints, and chemical solvents. Because of the seemingly commonplace occurrence of inhalant gasses in everyday household products, many teenagers don't realize the risks associated with inhalant use, making inhalants one of the most dangerous classes of drugs used by teens. Inhalant use can cause heart failure, hearing loss, nervous system damage, and other medically serious conditions - even after just a few uses.

Bath Salts

Bath salts are the newest frontier in teen drug use, a dangerous and powerful chemical which has emerged in recent years and exploded in popularity among teenage drug users. Bath Salts are a man-made chemical derivative of cathinone, and produce similar stimulant effects to traditional amphetamines. Billed as a less expensive alternative to cocaine, the drug is readily available, relatively cheap, and produces a profound and persistent high. Highly addictive, bath salts vary widely in their effects among teen users. Although chemically the drug releases a rush of dopamine, a powerful feel-good chemical, agitation and paranoia are also known as hallmarks of the drug. Meta: Five drugs that teens commonly turn to are marijuana, ecstasy, prescription drugs, inhalants, and bath salts. Stastitics show that teen drug abuse is rising.

3 Signs That Your Friend is Addicted to Heroin

Recognizing the Signs of Heroin Addiction

Recognizing the signs of heroin addiction isn't always easy. Since many addicts are secretive or reluctant to discuss their drug use, it's essential for friends, family members, and loved ones to learn to spot the signs and symptoms of addiction. And although the signs of heroin addiction can vary on an individual basis, this condition typically affects users in ways that affect mood, behavior, and appearance.

Psychological Changes

Heroin use can lead to several changes in mood and overall psychological well-being. A few of those changes include the following:

• Mood swings - In cases of heroin addiction, mood swings are often dependent on whether or not the addict is under the influence of the drug. For example, while under the influence of heroin, users often seem happy or relaxed; when craving the drug, addicts may display agitation, irritation, or combativeness.
• Depression - Heroin use can often lead to depression and other complications relating to mood. Depression is often characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and problems within relationships.
• Anxiety - Anxiety is often present in heroin addicts, especially in those in need of a "fix." Anxiety is characterized by nervousness, shaking, irritability, insomnia, etc.

It's important to note that while depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are often symptoms of addiction, they can also be contributing factors of substance abuse. As a contributing factor, psychological illness can often lead to self-medicating as a means to relieve emotional pain. Because of its relation to substance abuse, many drug rehabilitation facilities often offer various forms of treatment for depression and other types of mental illness.

Sign 2: Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes are extremely common in individuals suffering from heroin addiction. These changes in behavior can be subtle or extreme and may include the following:

• Social isolation or ignoring old friends in favor of fellow addicts
• Neglecting responsibilities - This can include missing school or work, as well as failing to fulfill obligations at home or with family.
• Risky behaviors - This can include many activities and behaviors, a few of which may be driving under the influence, having promiscuous or unsafe sex, or sharing hypodermic syringes.
• Illegal behaviors - Heroin addiction often leads to criminal activity. In order to fund a growing and expensive habit, many users turn to theft, fraud, prostitution, or drug distribution as a way to make quick cash.

Sign 3: Changes in Appearance

At first, heroin addiction may not produce any obvious physical signs or symptoms. However, as dependence grows, heroin addiction can produce several outward effects. For example, the following effects are common in cases of heroin addiction:

• Unkempt appearance - It's not uncommon for heroin addicts to neglect their appearance. A lack of grooming, bathing, etc. is to be expected in cases of heroin addiction.
• Poor complexion - Drug abuse can have various effects on skin, health, and complexion. For example, heroin can cause the skin to become either dry and flaky or oily and waxy. Also, acne breakouts often occur as a result of heroin use.
• Signs of intravenous drug use - Many heroin addicts inject the drug intravenously. This is often evidenced by the appearance of needle, or "track," marks on the arms, hands, wrists, or feet. Also, some users inject heroin in spots that are easily hidden, such as in the groin, the thighs, or under the tongue.
• Weight fluctuations - Weight loss is common among heroin addicts; however, some users actually gain weight as a result of addiction. Any fluctuations in weight may signify a problem.
• Other physical effects - Constricted pupils, profuse sweating, bloodshot eyes, and problems with coordination are common side effects of heroin.

Getting Help

Watching a loved one face the perils of heroin addiction can be a frightening experience. Thankfully though, effective drug rehab treatment is available. When suggesting treatment to a loved one, it's important to remain calm and supportive, yet honest and firm. Research available treatment methods and, if necessary, call in a trained interventionist or addiction specialist.