STEROIDS By: Bibi Rahaman & Marlene Bonnelly

What are Steroids?  Steroids - Any of a number of natural or synthetic substances that regulate body function  Anabolic Steroids - A group of synthetic hormones that promote the storage of protein and the growth of tissue

Types of Steroids  Most common anabolic steroids taken today: Anadrol, Oxandrin, Dianabol, Winstrol, Deca-durabolin, and Equipoise  Street names: Roids, juice, arnolds, gym candy, pumpers, stackers, weight trainers RAWR.

Common Users  Professional athletes, including baseball players, football players, etc.  Body builders  Women who want to take on stronger male characteristics  Teenagers

Why Is It Used? YUMMYNOT SO YUMMY

Steroid Origin  Anabolic steroids produced by pharmaceutical companies are only available through a prescription. The majority of steroids which are used by athletes are smuggled, stolen or made in secret, illegal laboratories. Veterinary drugs are often used.

Steroid History  Steroids were first developed by the Germans during WWII (1930s), in order to enhance their dogs and, later, their soldiers. Steroids soon became practical for human use, especially in professional power-lifting. By the 1960s, steroids were available on the market, but were later outlawed in the 1990s.

Effects  Short-Term: Sexual and reproductive disorders, fluid retention, severe acne - Can be reversed in men, with discontinuation. - Cannot be reversed in women.  Long-Term: Cardiovascular problems, such as heart damage and stroke  Other: High blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, thinning of hair and baldness, liver disorders. Steroids can also affect fetal development during pregnancy.  Psychological: Addiction, impaired judgment (invincibility), aggression  Overdose: Steroid poisoning, enhancement of other effects. Abusing anabolic steroids = Overdose, generally, so there are few serious overdose effects other than the short and long- term ones mentioned.

Withdrawal  After taking steroids for an extended period of time, the body produces less testosterone and similar substances. If a person is to suddenly stop taking steroids, they can suffer from extreme withdrawal symptoms.  Symptoms include mood swings, weakness/fatigue, restlessness, depression, decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal and joint pain, blood pressure/sugar level decrease, menstrual changes in women, muscle aches, and fever.

How Steroids Are Taken  Steroids can either come in pills or capsules (times needed to be taken per day vary with specific steroid)  People usually mix them with liquids or simply swallow them  Steroids can also be injected (the way most users go)

Steroids and the Law  Anabolic steroids (building muscles) are drugs that are not legal in all countries  They are considered as controlled substances under U.S. federal law and the laws of many states  Anabolic Steroids Control Act of Federal offense punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a minimum fine of $1,000  An individual who sells steroids, or possesses with intent to sell, is punishable by up to five years in prison

Legal Medical Uses  Testicular cancer – after surgery men are prescribed oral anabolic steroids to replace the testosterone that their bodies are no longer able to make  Adolescent males with pituitary malfunction are treated with injectable anabolic steroids  Anabolic steroids are used, with exercise and diet, to build up muscle tissue after certain surgeries  The right doses for different conditions are determined in drug company laboratories under controlled experimental conditions

Alternatives to Steroid Use  Alternatives to steroid use include proper nutrition, weight training and sports injury care  To build muscle mass, take advantage of the natural processes in which the body inter- converts and metabolizes its own natural hormones

Sharing Needles  People who inject steroids with shared needles are at risk of contracting or transmitting hepatitis or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS

Prevention  Presenting both the risks and benefits of steroid use is more effective in convincing adolescents about the negative affects of steroids

Available Help Programs  Boys & Girls Clubs programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls  Centers for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT)  Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)-D.A.R.E. is a school based prevention program that uses trained, uniformed police officers to teach youth and parents about the dangers of substance abuse  CSAP Model Programs –prevent substance abuse and create sustained positive change in our Nations communities

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Steroid Quiz  1.) What are steroids?  2.) How are they/in what form are they used?  3.) Who uses them?  4.) Why are they used? [Think Arnold!]  5.) Are they illegal/legal now?  6.) Where are they made?  7.) Who first made them?  8.) Name three negative side-effects (anything mentioned).  9.) Name one legal, medical use.  10.) Name one steroid alternative.