Why Athletes Use Steroids

The use of anabolic steroids is a very controversial issue in sports, especially since many of them are banned by most sporting organizations (along with the federal government). There are multiple reasons why athletes, especially professional ones, take that risk with steroids.

Injuries

The most common reason for steroid use is actually to aid in healing injuries. When athletes get hurt, they want to get back on the field as soon as possible and will try these drugs to heal faster.

Performance Enhancers

The most popular reason for steroid use is to increase on-field performance. By using them with their workouts, they are able to become faster and stronger, leading to more success--and more money.

Misconceptions

While efforts to keep steroids out of sports are high, the intentions of those trying aren't always clear. Many opponents of steroids often seem more focused on protecting records within the sport than preserving the athletes' lives and health.

Legal Steroids

There are some very mild steroids that are legal if prescribed by doctors and used only for healing. The most common is cortisone, whose main purpose is to mask the pain of injuries.

Human Growth Hormones

Many athletes will get around steroid and drug testing with another type of performance enhancer--human growth hormones. These are harder to trace then steroids since blood must be tested instead of other bodily fluids.

References

• Book: "Juiced," Jose Canseco, 2005
• Book: "American Icon: The Fall of Roger Clemens and the Rise of Steroids in America's Pastime," Teri Thompson, Nathaniel Vinton; 2009
• Colin Cowherd, on-air personality, ESPN Radio

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