Anabolic steroids are a group of drugs that are often abused by professional athletes, bodybuilders, and others who want better physical conditioning, and stronger muscles that are larger and have more stamina. This group of substances can be deadly when abused, and not just for the user but others as well. Some of the serious or fatal side effects and symptoms of anabolic steroid abuse includes:
- Bone weakness and slower bone growth, or no growth at all
- Enlargement of the heart
- Higher risk of heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Disorders of the clotting mechanisms in the body
- High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood
- Excessive oils on the skin
- Severe acne
- Bald patches on the head
- Psychosis
- Mood swings
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Hostility
- Violent outbursts
- Behavior that is reckless
- Psychological addiction
- Physical dependency
- Atrophy of the testicles
- Excessive hair growth in both sexes
- Impaired fertility
- Low sperm cell counts
Steroid abuse has become very common, and it is found in school age athletes as well as professionals. Because these drugs stimulate cellular growth they do have medical uses, and they may be prescribed by a physician on a short term basis in order to improve healing or treat certain medical conditions. When they are abused they can increase the risks involved for many debilitating or even fatal problems though. Studies show that adolescents in middle and high school are not aware of the dangers that anabolic steroids cause. It is illegal to possess or use any of the drugs in this group without a legitimate prescription that is valid.
