Play Clean: The Hard Truth About Steroids

Although steroids are banned in nearly every sport, young people often hear about some athletes using these substances to make them stronger. As many as 1.1 million young people ages 12-17 (5 percent of the U.S. population in this age group) have taken a performance-enhancing drug or sport supplement. Almost four times that many personally know someone who is using these substances.

While steroids may help build muscle in the short term, they are extremely dangerous — especially for young people. They can cause serious health problems in the long run, including damage to the liver, heart and sex organs. Steroids and other sport supplements can permanently stunt growth and cause heart palpitations, baldness, infertility, uncontrolled aggression and violence and other unhealthy changes in men. Females using steroids and sport supplements can experience male-like side effects including developing a permanently deeper voice, facial hair growth and changes in menstruation.

Parents, coaches and others adults with influence on teens need to be aware that many of these substances are easy to obtain from the local stores, on the Internet and from friends. Parents and coaches must emphasize that teens can achieve success without artificial substances.

Visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse Web site for more scientific information on steroids

More on drugs and steroids:

• Tips for Parents and Coaches
• Article: “Big Muscles, Big Trouble: Steroids and dietary supplements popular with teens can carry long-term risks”
• Is Your Teen Using? Get advice on how to address the problem.
• Article: Don’t Let Drugs Tackle Your Teen