Anabolic Steroids Summary Essay Example

and increased vocal cord size, larger appetite, bone remodeling, increased production of Red Blood Cells, liver damage, headaches, irritability, trouble sleeping and jaundice.

Both men and women can experience physical changes when using Anabolic steroids. Men may observe a reduction in penis size, testicular pain, early hair loss, and breast growth. Meanwhile, women may develop masculine characteristics. These steroids are available in different forms including oral and intravenous (Santella 613.8).

According to Santella (613), the common method of taking Oral Steroids is through pill form, while Intravenous Steroids are given by injection.

The book by Santella (613.8) outlines various Oral Anabolic Steroids including Anadrol, Anavar, Dianabol, Maxibolin, Methyltestosterone, Primobolin and Winstrol. Furthermore, Intravenous Steroids are classified as Triamcinilone, Betamethasone and Prednisone (Santella 613.8).

Anabolic Steroids are commonly used by teenagers, who have easy access to them through school dealers, the Internet, or over-the-counter sales at health stores. This availability makes them widely accessible to a large number of teens. Some adolescents have confessed to using steroids for reasons such as improving their athletic performance, fitting in with societal standards, or enhancing their physical appearance (Santella 613.8).

Male teenagers are more likely to use anabolic steroids than females, driven by their goal of gaining a competitive edge in sports. According to Santella 613.8, about 14% of twelfth-grade athletes and approximately 13% of tenth-grade students use steroids. Teenagers have also coined slang terms for these substances such as "juice," "gum," "candy," "pumpers," and "pops."

Using slang terms such as "Arnolds" and "Stackers," individuals may attempt to conceal their use of Anabolic Steroids from authorities and adults (Santella 613.8). Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that the consumption of these steroids is prohibited in the

United States.

Although Anabolic Steroid use is legal in Canada and Australia, the United States has strict consequences for those who engage in it. First-time offenders may face up to ten years of imprisonment, a $15,000 fine, and two years of probation (Monroe 613.8). For second-time offenders, the punishment could be even harsher with a maximum prison sentence of ten years, a $30,000 fine, and probation lasting as long as two years.

(Rogak 613.8) The use of Anabolic Steroids in sports is being taken seriously by Athletic Associations, with Major League Baseball currently implementing strict regulations. A first positive test for steroids will result in a 10-game suspension, while a second violation carries a suspension of 100 games. Any player who tests positive for steroids three times will be permanently banned from playing baseball.

(Espn.com/news) The National Football League and the National Collegiate Athletic Association have stringent regulations prohibiting steroid use. A positive steroid test could lead to a four-game suspension for NFL players and potential suspension or permanent expulsion from college sports for NCAA athletes (wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League).

As per wikipedia.org, the Olympic games have the most severe punishments for steroid usage. Any athlete caught using steroids may receive a lifetime ban and be charged up to $100,000 for minor violations. In cases of more serious steroid regulation breaches, athletes could potentially face fines as high as $1,000,000 as reported by sportsillustrated.cnn.During the 1930s, German scientists accidentally discovered Anabolic Steroids but did not pursue further research. The United States learned of these drugs through a letter sent to Strength and Health magazine's editor. In the 1950s, Methandrostelone was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in America. Technological

advancements enabled counterfeit drug production detection, leading US authorities to take action against it in 1991.

The U.S. Congress implemented the Controlled Substances Act on January 20th, 2005, which prohibits the usage and distribution of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are classified as drugs or hormonal substances that aid in muscle growth and have a chemical or pharmaceutical connection to testosterone. These illicit steroids can be obtained at gyms, competitions, and online sources; many of which are smuggled into the country. The possession of anabolic steroids is now deemed a federal crime under this legislation.

According to wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabolic_Steroids, a wide range of individuals, including track and field athletes, weightlifters, bodybuilders, shot put competitors, cyclists, professional baseball players, wrestlers and law enforcement officers use anabolic steroids. This is often done with the goal of enhancing performance or gaining self-confidence or financial benefits.

Tests for detecting steroids in sports are commonly utilized, but none of them can be considered completely precise. Despite this, most tests have an accuracy rate above 99%. Thus, the subject of steroid penalties in sports is frequently a point of contention among athletes and officials as wrongful accusations can lead to suspension or expulsion from games along with hefty fines due to the lack of foolproof testing methods. Moreover, Anabolic Steroids are often shrouded in misconceptions.

It is a misconception that consuming steroids will automatically result in muscle growth, as regular exercise is crucial for building muscles. Additionally, assuming that the lone danger of anabolic steroids lies in their direct impact is also mistaken since there could be further hazards.

Using steroids intravenously can put a person at risk of contracting diseases like Hepatitis B or AIDS. There is

a misconception that sporadic steroid use does not carry any harm, and the notion that certain foods or items can assist in cheating steroid tests is also false, although some foods may affect the results (Rogak 613.) Ultimately, while using steroids can lead to increased muscle size, physical strength enhancement, or competitive edge, it is an unsafe and high-risk practice with potentially harmful and even lethal effects on the body.

According to brainyquote.com, the current governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, stated that he does not abuse steroids because it would be like injecting poison into his body.

Despite the potential benefits to body size, taking Anabolic Steroids is not recommended due to the significant health risks involved, as highlighted in Monroe, Judy's (2019) work on the dangers of performance enhancing drugs.