By Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D., Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse
BETHESDA, Md.--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Mar 12, 2001--Many college men and women put a priority on physical fitness because it’s healthy, makes them attractive, and gives them a competitive edge. Some athletes will do whatever it takes to improve their performance, even if it means risking their health. Despite the dangers, an alarmingly high number of young people use anabolic steroids.
These steroid drugs, synthetic compounds similar to male sex hormones, do increase muscle growth. But they also have dangerous side effects and may cause dangerous long-lasting health problems.
Steroid abuse by men can lead to reduced sperm production, shrinking of testicles, impotence, difficult or painful urination, baldness, and irreversible breast enlargement. Steroids also affect mood and increase aggression. Large doses of steroids can also lead to ```roid rage``-fighting, physical and sexual abuse, and even criminal behavior.
For women, the health consequences of steroid abuse include the development of male characteristics such as decreased body fat and breast size, deepened voice, growth of excessive body hair, loss of scalp hair, and clitoral enlargement.
Anabolic steroid abuse can result in potentially fatal liver cysts and liver cancer, cholesterol changes and hypertension, which can cause heart attack, and stroke, blood clotting, and acne. Those who choose to inject anabolic steroids with nonsterile needles risk developing HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne infections.
Don’t let the myths about anabolic steroids fool you. Improve your body appearance and sports performance, but not at the risk of your health. The safest way to look built or to improve athletic prowess is through regular, measured exercise and good nutrition.
If you or someone you know is abusing anabolic steroids, get smart. Visit your campus health clinic, and get help easing off the drugs.
Good health is more important than good looks or athletic success.
*Dr. Leshner is the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a component of the National Institutes of Health. More information about the health effects of drug abuse and addiction is available on the Institute’s websites at www.drugabuse.gov and www.steroidabuse.org.
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