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.