With the rise of competitive sports, steroids have become increasingly popular among ambitious high school athletes.
Many athletes risk their lives in order to gain more wins than losses. Although some may see steroids in a positive way, the negative side effects outweigh them completely.
“Researchers said a more muscular body, ideal in the media, may be one factor driving teens to do anything possible to get toned, as well as pressure to perform in sports,” said Genevra Pittman, writer for CS Monitor.
Although some teens work out the old-fashioned way, others are turning to extreme diets and steroids for that extra boost. Even though steroids are banned in NCAA and professional sports — and not allowed in CIF either, some high school athletes are turning to pills and supplements that mimic testosterone. Often, these are available online or through some nutritional stores.
“I took some [steroids] because other schools are doing it so it seems fair and it gives our team a better chance,” said a student who agreed to speak to The Express on condition of anonymity.
Because a teen isn’t fully developed yet, the side effects are considered extremely harmful to a young body. Steroid effects include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, enlarged prostate, and aggression, known as “Roid Rage.”
Steroids damage crucial organs in the body like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Height growth is also stunted so that the teen doesn’t reach their full potential height.
“Your body is really affected and it’s not worth the risk,” said the anonymous source.
Users have a high risk of taking other drugs which can lead to a stronger addiction.
The major psychological problems associated with steroids are depression and anxiety.
Steroids increase testosterone levels which can alter aggressiveness. In some cases, roid rage occurs when a user becomes extremely hostile after taking large doses or regularly using. A user can end up hurting others or themselves due to this rage.
Even with proper awareness of health risks related to steroids, usage is becoming a problem in many schools.
“It is a big problem at other schools. People understand the risks but they still use them [steroids],” said the source.
Obtaining steroids has become increasingly easy which stimulates usage.
“You can get steroids in nutrition stores now. You just have to know people and say the right things,” said the source.
Parents may even inadvertently purchase these items on a trip to the nutrition store with their son or daughter if they don’t educate themselves on the names of the drugs. One kind is marketed under the name Pro Hormones, according to Aaron Flowers, head football coach.
Instead of taking steroids to build up body strength for sports, regular exercise and proper nutrition can give teen athletes similar results.
“These drugs are not allowed at San Juan Hills. We take it very seriously and we try to educate our athletes completely so they see the risks,” said Flowers.
“All our health teachers spend at a whole block day talking about the dangers of steroid use and there is also a whole unit on drugs in our curriculum,” he added.
Protein supplements are the healthiest alternative to steroids and are equipped with the least amount of side effects.
The numerous risks of steroids aren’t worth the gain. Building muscle through chemicals that harm your body will only result in more losses.
Many athletes risk their lives in order to gain more wins than losses. Although some may see steroids in a positive way, the negative side effects outweigh them completely.
“Researchers said a more muscular body, ideal in the media, may be one factor driving teens to do anything possible to get toned, as well as pressure to perform in sports,” said Genevra Pittman, writer for CS Monitor.
Although some teens work out the old-fashioned way, others are turning to extreme diets and steroids for that extra boost. Even though steroids are banned in NCAA and professional sports — and not allowed in CIF either, some high school athletes are turning to pills and supplements that mimic testosterone. Often, these are available online or through some nutritional stores.
“I took some [steroids] because other schools are doing it so it seems fair and it gives our team a better chance,” said a student who agreed to speak to The Express on condition of anonymity.
Because a teen isn’t fully developed yet, the side effects are considered extremely harmful to a young body. Steroid effects include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, enlarged prostate, and aggression, known as “Roid Rage.”
Steroids damage crucial organs in the body like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Height growth is also stunted so that the teen doesn’t reach their full potential height.
“Your body is really affected and it’s not worth the risk,” said the anonymous source.
Users have a high risk of taking other drugs which can lead to a stronger addiction.
The major psychological problems associated with steroids are depression and anxiety.
Steroids increase testosterone levels which can alter aggressiveness. In some cases, roid rage occurs when a user becomes extremely hostile after taking large doses or regularly using. A user can end up hurting others or themselves due to this rage.
Even with proper awareness of health risks related to steroids, usage is becoming a problem in many schools.
“It is a big problem at other schools. People understand the risks but they still use them [steroids],” said the source.
Obtaining steroids has become increasingly easy which stimulates usage.
“You can get steroids in nutrition stores now. You just have to know people and say the right things,” said the source.
Parents may even inadvertently purchase these items on a trip to the nutrition store with their son or daughter if they don’t educate themselves on the names of the drugs. One kind is marketed under the name Pro Hormones, according to Aaron Flowers, head football coach.
Instead of taking steroids to build up body strength for sports, regular exercise and proper nutrition can give teen athletes similar results.
“These drugs are not allowed at San Juan Hills. We take it very seriously and we try to educate our athletes completely so they see the risks,” said Flowers.
“All our health teachers spend at a whole block day talking about the dangers of steroid use and there is also a whole unit on drugs in our curriculum,” he added.
Protein supplements are the healthiest alternative to steroids and are equipped with the least amount of side effects.
The numerous risks of steroids aren’t worth the gain. Building muscle through chemicals that harm your body will only result in more losses.
