The peer pressure teens experience to compete and excel in sports can be intense, leading some to abuse steroids in hopes of gaining an edge over their athletic rivals. Unfortunately, these drugs can be addictive, destructive to the body, and cause teenagers stress as well as severe emotional and behavioral problems. What are dangers related to steroids, and how can you tell you've got at-risk teens? Read on.
Street Names
Arnolds, Gym Candy, Juice, Pumpers, Stackers, Weight Trainers
Slang Terms Used By Steroid Abusers
- Shotgunning--taking steroids on an on and off basis
- Stacking-- using a combination of two or more steroids
- Roid rages--uncontrolled outbursts of anger, combativeness, or frustration for no apparent reason
Effects of Steroid Use & Signs of Teenage Substance Abuse
- Mood swings
- Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
- Restlessness
- Fatigue, sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in physical appearance:
- In males there may be baldness, impotence, and development of breasts
- In females there may be growth of facial hair, deepening of the voice, and reduction of breast size
- In both sexes there can be acne, oily hair and skin, cysts, jaundice (yellowing of the skin) swelling of feet and ankles, aching joints, bad breath, nervousness and trembling
Risks from Taking Steroids
- Possibility of heart attack and stroke. Heart problems have been known to occur in athletes under the age of 30.
- Increase in anger, hostility and violent behavior. There have been cases of murder attributed to intense and uncontrolled anger caused by steroid abuse.
- Increased risk of getting HIV/AIDS from sharing needles with people that use injectable steroids
For more information, contact:
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information: 800-487-4889; in Spanish, 877-767-8432.
Ms. Zundel is a freelance writer and homeschooling parent. She specializes in writing educational and family oriented articles.