Bell Ringer #4 Answer the following question. (2 paragraphs, 5 sentences each) Why would someone want to take steroids? Are athletes the only users? Why or why not.

STEROIDS

What are steroids? Anabolic-androgenic steroids are man-made substances related to male sex hormones (testosterone). “Anabolic” refers to muscle-building. “Androgenic” refers to increased masculine characteristics. “Steroids” refers to the classification of the drug.

Types of Steroids Corticosteroids - these are creams and ointments, usually for controlling rashes and itching. Estrogens and Progestogens - relates to female sex hormones (ex. Birth conrol). Androgens - anabolic steroids used for growth and development of muscle tissue and mass.

Production and Traffic Illegal anabolic steroids are often sold at gyms, competitions, and through trainers after being smuggled into the country. It’s easy to smuggle because they’re not illegal in most countries. Steroids are also illegally diverted from U.S. pharmacies or synthesized in labs. All production, not associated with the FDA, is illegal. Distribution without a medical license is illegal.

Negative Health Effects Acne Breast development in men, decrease in women. Irritability and aggression (ROID RAGE) Liver cancer Heart attacks Elevated cholesterol levels Adolescent use may cause a premature stop in lengthening bones (Stunted growth) Mood swings (extremes) Cancer

Negative Effects, cont. Injecting users subject themselves to Hepatitis or HIV. Withdrawal symptoms when one stops using steroids: mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and depression. Depression can lead to suicide. If untreated, the withdrawal symptoms could last up to a year after stopping the use.

“ROID RAGE” From the use of steroids, one may develop sudden urges of anxiety, anger, and paranoia. These symptoms lead to possible destruction of self, property, and other people. Urges to throw objects, in a destructive manner, or harm others in a violent act of rage is known as a “roid rage”

Positive Effects Doctor prescribed methods increase muscle tissue for cancer patients. Could “jump start” the testosterone process in delayed puberty for adolescents. (Doctor prescribed) Muscle strength, endurance, and tissue growth will occur with steroid use.

Street/Slang Terms Arnolds Gym Candy Juice Pumpers Stackers Weight Trainers

How Steroids are taken: Injected intramuscularly, which the user uses a needle to insert the steroid directly into the muscle group being worked. Orally, where the user takes a pill and lets it distribute itself, after broken down by the body, to all muscle areas. Creams, which are rubbed into the skin at particular areas where the user wants to work out.

Patterns of Use Cycling - taking multiple doses of steroids over a specific period of time, stopping for a period, then starting over. Stacking - combining several different types of steroids. Pyramiding - users slowly escalate, or build up, the number of drugs used at one time. The dose and/or frequency may be elevated too. The user will reach a peak amount, then gradually taper the dose toward the end of the cycle.

Who Uses Steroids? Athletes in sports that rely on size and strength: football, baseball, and wrestling. Endurance athletes: track and swimming. Weight training or body building athletes. Anyone else interested in building or defining muscles.

Special Dangers to Adolescents High school and Middle school students and athletes need to be aware of the effects on growth. Steroids can actually stop the growth process too soon because of the damage to the growth plates, joints, etc. Adolescents who use steroids are more likely to start using and become addicted to other drugs.

Train/Work out the smart way!!! Ask a doctor about nutrition and safe ways to gain weight or add size. Work Hard!!! Proper Diet Plenty of Rest Set Realistic Goals Work with trained supervision