Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports Essay Example

are concerns regarding liver cell damage which causes elevated markers of liver damage (enzymes, bilirubin) in the bloodstream.

Fortunately, stopping the use of anabolic steroids usually reverses their harmful effects. However, Peliosis hepaticus is a rare condition where blood-filled cysts develop in the liver. This condition can often be treated and reversed by receiving medical treatment and discontinuing steroid use. Unfortunately, some individuals may develop liver tumors and cancer as a result of using anabolic steroids.

The use of anabolic steroids can have severe consequences on the body. It can cause liver damage and negatively affect blood lipids, increasing the likelihood of heart disease. Testosterone production may also be affected, leading to smaller testes and reduced sperm production. Infertility is a possible outcome that could be permanent. Furthermore, some steroids can convert into estrogen and cause permanent growth of breast tissue in males.

There is concern about the potential connection between the misuse of anabolic steroids and prostate disease, but no well-controlled studies have been done to confirm or deny this claim. (source: http://www.usantidoping.org/athletes/cheating_health.html) This impact can also be equally severe for women. Women who use steroids may experience stomach and back hair growth, cessation of breast tissue development, baldness, significant disruption of menstrual cycles, and other health risks that males face as well. Anabolic steroids present an unwarranted danger.

According to a 2004 study conducted by the University of Michigan for the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the use of steroids among high school seniors has increased. Around 3.4% of seniors admitted to using them (E. Crane, July 2005). This statistic provides important insights into the current situation.

The Associated Press, as cited by ESPN, stated that in

the 2004-2005 academic year, there were over seven (7) million high school athletes nationwide. California schools accounted for approximately 680,000 of these athletes. Given that roughly three percent of these 7 million athletes utilize steroids, it is estimated that more than 200,000 students would be involved in some form of anabolic steroid usage.

A 1999 survey conducted by the University of Michigan revealed a concerning trend among athletes - the use of testosterone derivative drugs. The survey, which involved 50,000 students, showed that only 62 percent considered steroids to be problematic. This lack of concern may be influenced by professional athletes who regularly rely on these drugs. Despite the slim chances of becoming a professional player for the 7 million athletes in the United States, many still turn to steroid use as a means to gain an advantage.

According to the 2004 report from the Department of Labor, there were only 17,000 professional athletes in the US. This number pales in comparison to the over 7 million people in the country. The use of steroids in sports has become increasingly absurd and ridiculous. Additionally, a growing number of professional athletes are openly admitting to using steroids. The BALCO investigation in 2002 confirmed suspicions that many professional athletes were using performance-enhancing drugs. I firmly believe that this revelation had a significant impact on both professional sports and youth athletics activities.

There were young athletes who believed it was acceptable to use steroids because their idols were using them. Athletes such as Jose Canseco, Ken Gaminiti, and Bill Romanawski admitted to using drugs, while David Wells claimed that steroid use in Major League Baseball (MLB) was widespread. In an interview

with Sports Illustrated, he approximated that approximately 25% to 40% of MLB athletes used some form of anabolic steroid.

Based on these statistics, a significant number of athletes are setting a negative example for our youth, which poses the question: how should we respond when our idols disappoint us? I believe that it sends an incorrect message to young athletes who idolize or look up to professional athletes when they get caught using drugs. The impact on a child who admires them can be substantial if their role model fails in making appropriate choices regarding drug usage. Currently, some schools have implemented programs to discourage drug use and there has been stricter regulation for drug testing. In 2002, Major League Baseball introduced more stringent testing requirements. However, is this truly sufficient?

In order to effectively eliminate the physical and mental health threat of drug use, it is crucial to impart a strong belief in our young athletes that drug use is both unacceptable and intolerable. This can be achieved by expanding the existing programs to include middle school and little league organizations. By reaching out to them at an early stage, we can greatly enhance our efforts to eradicate this problem. (Reference: Crane, Elizabeth (July 2005). Roid Rage. District Administration, Vol.41 Issue 7, p32-37, 6p, 1c.)

Kindred, Dave (July 2005). Ask a difficult question and receive a challenging answer: What are the potential effects of steroids on the body? Sporting News, 7/12/2004, Vol. 228 Issue 28, p68-68, 1p, 1c Staudohar, Paul D. (Summer 2005). Performance Enhancing Drugs in Baseball.

The information is sourced from the Summer 2005 issue of the Labor Law Journal, volume 56, issue 2, pages 139-149.

It consists of 11 pages. The article titled "Steroids: Just the Facts, Please" is from an unknown date and can be accessed online at http://www.bodybuilding.com.

com/fun/steroids.htmColgan, Michael (2001) Steroids and Heart Disease Colgan Chronicles; 2001, Vol.4 Issue 5, p1, 4p Cheating Your Heath (n. d.) retrieved on May 12, 2006, from http://www.usantidoping.org/athletes/cheating_health.html Record 7 million high schoolers participate in sports (September 13th 2005) Retrieved May 13, 2006 from http://sports.

The source for the information is ESPN's website (espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=2160733). The article, titled "Steroid-User Jose Canseco names names", was published on February 13, 2005. The information was retrieved on May 13, 2005 from CBS News' website (www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/10/60minutes/main673138.shtml).