What Are the Dangers of Taking Illegal Steroids?

Illegal steroid use has been a hot topic for decades, and there are very real dangers in taking them. Not only can steroids have damaging and unpredictable consequences for an individual's health, but they can also bring legal punishment and disqualification from sports. Steroids are illegal without a doctor's prescription. Even then, they may violate the rules of a particular sport.

History

"Sports Illustrated" has covered the topic of steroid use since the late 1960s. By the 1970s and 1980s illegal steroid abuse resulted in a large number of disqualifications for Olympians. During that time, steroid use also became prevalent in virtually all major sports. By the 1990s, sports administrative bodies began toughening their steroid testing and punishment, so the current chances of being caught and punished are higher than ever before. Still, illegal steroid use remains an issue that is yet to be fully solved, especially as newer drugs come out that have no current way to test for them.

Function

Most people who choose to take illegal steroids take anabolic steroids. These drugs either raise levels of testosterone or simulate the effects of elevated testosterone. The increased hormone levels can aid in building muscle mass, but can also reduce or stop the level of naturally-occurring testosterone in the body.

Features

Illegal steroids can come in the form of pills, injections or creams. Some people will choose to take multiple illegal steroids in an attempt to have the drugs complement each other and have even greater muscle-building effects. This method is known as "stacking."

Effects

Besides the legal and competitive consequences, illegal steroids can cause a number of health problems. For men, this can include low sperm count, smaller testicles, sterility and larger breast tissue. For women, the most common effects are smaller breasts, a deeper voice and more body hair. Both sexes can experience in increase in aggression, acne, cholesterol, heart problems and liver problems. Steroid users can also experience withdrawal when they quit using the drugs. These symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite and mood swings.

Warning

According to the American Medial Association, adolescent use of illegal steroids is rising. Illegal steroid use by children can have alarming consequences. One of the major dangers is the risk of stunted growth. That happens when steroids inhibit the growth of bones before a child has finished growing. The Drug Enforcement Agency states that illegal steroid users can be convicted of federal crimes, with punishments ranging from a $1,000 fine and a year in prison (for possession) to $250,000 and five years, respectively (for trafficking).