Steroid research paper

Steroids Today Since anabolic steroids were introduced in the 1950s, athletes have been using them to increase muscle and athletic performance. Over the last 20 years steroid use in the general public has skyrocketed. Steroids are an illegal drug that mimics the effects of testosterone in the body. Our society has allowed anabolic steroids to become so widespread over the years by athletes at all levels of competition, from paid professional athletes to high school and junior high school performers. Anabolic steroids have become a recent epidemic in all grades of athletics. The only way to prevent anabolic steroid use is to define what constitutes an anabolic steroid and to explain the risks of taking them. In the 1930s, when it became known to scientists that there are male hormones present in the testes. “This discovery leads to a race to isolate testosterone for human use” (Just Pump it). Funding for this project came from the Nazi government as well as the Switzerland and Netherlands. “The hormone was eventually named testosterone because it comes from the testicles” (Writing for Students. In August in the year 1935, the process of chemically synthesizing testosterone was published and “Involves the process of synthesizing testosterone from cholesterol”... (Writing for Students). The scientists who discovered testosterone were given Nobel prizes at the end of the Second World War. In 1937 the first uses of steroids on humans was through needle injections and oral doses. Although it was rumored later on that the Germans were using steroids during World War Two, and that they were even conducting experiments with it on soldiers and inmates in concentration camps. Nonetheless, “the first known record of anabolic steroid being used by the masses dated at around 1938 where it was used on weightlifting as well as body building”. (Just Pump it). From there on athletes as well as body builders have been using steroids to increase their physical shape and reach their maximum potential. Steroids were invented for the sole purpose of boosting the physical condition of the body to further develop its health. Although it is actually being used by sports athletes today for muscle building as well as getting more strength and power out of their bodies, with the proper use and management, these drugs can be extremely beneficial to the human body. “An example of which is during a medical emergency where the muscles of the heart are weak, steroids are injected so that the muscles of the heart would be able to keep on functioning”. (writing for Students). The main side effects of steroid use include liver tumors, jaundice, fluid retention and high blood pressure all of which can be serious or mild. Adolescent steroid users commonly experience a stunted growth pattern, not reaching their expected stature in adulthood. Also, the normal speed of development in puberty is often sped up to a more accelerated rate of development. Other side effects include severe acne; “Steroids enlarge the sebaceous gland in the skin”. (Steroid Abuse). This enlargement increases oil production, which if food for acne causing bacteria. The liver, where everything put into one`s body is processed, is also affected negatively. Tumors and diseases can damage the liver and leave one with serious short or long term effects. One of the most well known side effects is “roid rage” (Steroid Abuse). When the portion of the brain that manages impulse control is affected by steroids, it gives the emotions an aggressive response. Roid rage makes steroid users unpleasant to be around and intimidates others. Long term effects include HIV, liver failure, cardiovascular problems, stunted growth, and much more. The list of side effects for steroids is seemingly endless and very unattractive. The ATLAS (Athletes Training & Learning to Avoid Steroids) program is helping teens learn the risks of taking steroids, and prevent them from using steroids. “The programs sole purpose is to prevent steroid use in High School sports”... (Writing for Students). The group focuses on kids talking to kids and has students teach some lessons on healthy habits and anti-steroid use. The program believes that if one`s peers teach them and are against steroids they will also be. Steroid abuse can be classified as an addiction. Rehab centers have been setup to treat steroid abusers. Anabolic steroids can be just as addicting as serious drugs such as amphetamines. “Individuals who abuse steroids can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking steroids.” (South Coast Recovery). Withdrawals make getting of steroids very hard and painful. It is easier to continue using steroids then to quit which is why so many are addicted. The solution to the rising number of teen steroid users is to educate them on the negative effects of steroids. Taking anabolic steroids can be a huge confidence booster or a quick way to gain muscle, but the consequences far outweigh the pros. They are illegal and one can be fined or sentenced to jail time for using them. They hurt ones health, diseases, tumors, mental health problems are caused if steroids are used. Trying to quit causes withdrawals, such as sleeplessness, loss of appetite, anger, and again... much more. Purchasing steroids can be costly and dangerous especially if they are homemade. Anabolic steroid users are skyrocketing, and teens need to be educated on the health risks now.

Sources http://etalaze.net/news/107/function.require http://writing4students.blogspot.com/2010/03/research-paper-on-anabolic-steroids.html http://www.steroidabuse.com/side-effects-of-steroids.html http://www.southcoastrecovery.com/anabolic_steroid_treatment.html