UNDERSCORE THE FACTS
Know the Risks and Watch for the Signs

Show your young athlete that you care about his or her success by learning as much as you can about how using illegal substances, such as marijuana, “speed” (amphetamines and methamphetamine), steroids and alcohol, can compromise their athletic performance. Be mindful of the fact that steroids and other sports supplements can be particularly appealing to teen athletes, especially those feeling pressure to succeed in competitive sports. Teens may believe that using certain supplements can help them be winners. But the fact is that there are no short cuts.

The Signs & Symptoms of Drug Use Unexpected rapid increase in muscle size Severe acne on face, chest and back Appearance of jaundice Uncharacteristic withdrawal from family, friends or interests, or change in friends Isolation, depression, fatigue Hostility, aggression and lack of cooperativeness Change in eating/sleeping habits and lack of interest in personal appearance Heightened secrecy about actions or possessions Drop in school attendance or academic performance

Alcohol:

• Reduces water content of the body, causing dehydration
• Can damage the liver, heart, brain and other organs
• Reduces testosterone levels in boys, compromising muscle strength
• Leads to poor academic performance and keep young athletes off their school teams

Marijuana:

• Decreases speed, balance, depth perception, hand-eye coordination and reaction times
• Can affect breathing, causing shortness of breath
• Causes uncontrolled aggression, violence and personality changes
• Can slow reaction times, cause confusion and hinder judgment
• Leads to memory loss, increased anxiety, panic attacks, depression and other mental health problems, and in some cases is associated with social withdrawal and thoughts of suicide.

Steroids:

• Can damage the liver, kidney, heart, brain and other organs, in some cases causing tumors which can lead to cancer
• Can decrease agility and quickness
• In boys, can cause stunted growth, baldness and infertility
• In girls, can cause male-like side effects including a permanently deeper voice, facial hair growth and changes in menstruation
• Can decrease enthusiasm and motivation
• Cause uncontrolled aggression, violence and personality changes
• Abusers can experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia and depression, which can lead to suicide attempts

Speed (amphetamines and methamphetamine):

• Damages the body’s ability to regulate body temperature, leading to heatstroke
• Can damage the liver, heart, brain and other organs
• Causes uncontrolled aggression, violence and personality changes

Scientific information provided by National Institute of Drug Abuse and the Alcohol and Drug Information Clearinghouse

More on drugs and steroids:

• Steroids: Don't risk it. Play clean.
• “Big Muscles, Big Trouble: Steroids and dietary supplements popular with teens can carry long-term risks”