A Quiet, But Dangerous Habit | What Are Anabolic Steroids? | Side Effects | Black Market Sources and "Stacking" | Risky Business

Johnny, a young man who lives in a small mid-western town, is an illegal drug user. His habit started slowly, but has grown quickly. He now must resort to stealing to support it. Lately, his friends and family have noticed some troubling changes in him. Johnny's drug habit, however, is quite different from what most would probably expect, since he is only 14 years old. The money he steals comes from his mother's purse and his father's wallet. The noticeable changes are his expanding neck and his violent moods.

Johnny's drug of choice? Anabolic steroids.

A Quiet, But Dangerous Habit

Illegal steroid use by Olympic, college, and professional athletes often makes the news, but the abuse of these drugs by teenagers has not received as much attention. What is most troubling is that the health dangers can be especially devastating for teenagers.

What Are Anabolic Steroids?

Taken as a pill or as an injection, anabolic steroids are derived from and mimic the effects of the male sex hormone testosterone. Both men and women naturally produce testosterone, although women make very small amounts.

In males, testosterone's role in the body is two-fold. First, it maintains the reproductive system, including production and maintenance of the male sexual characteristics (eg, deeper voice, greater amounts of body hair, larger body size, and greater muscle mass). Second, for a short period of time at the onset of puberty, testosterone production rises dramatically to stimulate the bulk of the physical maturation process. This involves full bone growth, deepening voice, and growth of facial hair.

It is this ability to promote muscle growth, increase lean body mass, and decrease body fat that entices teenagers to take anabolic steroids. Those striving to improve their strength, speed, and stamina often see steroids as a quick way to pushing heavier weights and look better.

Side Effects

Unfortunately, the high doses that are necessary to affect these body changes come with health dangers. Teens are at risk for accelerated puberty and skeletal development that leads to irreversible stunted growth.

Anabolic steroids can produce several adverse side effects in men and women of all ages, including:

  • Acne
  • Swelling of ankles and feet
  • Jaundice and Liver damage
  • Reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol
  • Increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol
  • Painful joints
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased susceptibility of ligaments, tendons, and muscles to injury
  • Mood swings, including uncontrolled anger and aggressiveness, extreme irritability, paranoid jealousy, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility
  • Possible development of psychological dependence on anabolic steroids
  • Possible increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and/or heart attack
  • Possible infection with AIDS or hepatitis if steroids are taken via injection with a shared needle

Some side effects specific to men include:

  • Shrinking of the testicles
  • Baldness
  • Enlargement of the prostate
  • Pain or difficulty urinating
  • Reduced sperm count
  • Impotence
  • Development of breasts, often irreversible

Side effects specific to women include:

  • Overall masculinization, including the growth of facial hair and a deepening of the voice
  • Changes in menstruation cycle (menstruation stops or is reduced)
  • Enlargement of the clitoris
  • Reduction in breast size

Black Market Sources and "Stacking"

Because most anabolic steroid users acquire the drug via the "black market," they may receive impure or tainted steroids. This presents many health risks. Another danger is "stacking," which involves taking several types of steroids at once to enhance the effects. These combinations multiply the risks.

Risky Business

Teens who abuse anabolic steroids often know about the dangers, but are driven by a desire to be bigger, stronger, and better than their peers. These athletes need the support of friends, parents, and coaches to avoid the traps of steroid use. They also need to be encouraged to reach their goals naturally.