I. Introduction
II. History
III. Teen Use
IV. Properties
V. Types of Steroids
VI. Side Effects
VII. Identifying Steroid Use
VIII. Medical Uses
IX. Drug Testing
X. References
Thesis Statement:
Competitors who took steroids are facing physical and emotional problems…
I. Introduction
Anabolic steroids are testosterone, or testosterone-like drugs which produce anabolic activity by increasing protein synthesis and androgenic activity (enhanced secondary sexual characteristics) in the male. These compounds can produce a significant increase in muscular size, in both males and females. Natural testosterone is produced in larger quantities in the male, but is also present in the female. Anabolic steroids are the most widely detected drugs taken for ergogenic (performance-enhancing) purposes. This group of substances has probably exceeded any other in controversy among those in the super-charged atmosphere of competitive sports. Drug testing and education on the pros and cons of anabolic steroid use are essential to maintain the health of both amateur and professional athletes.
II. History
Until 1935, no one knew that anabolic steroids were associated with the accumulation of muscle tissue. In that timeframe, two researchers experimenting on dogs discovered that testosterone given under certain conditions would increase muscle mass. The current history of anabolic steroids as abusable drugs began in 1954 among Olympic weightlifters. In 1956, Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) was first marketed in the United States, clearing the way for the use of anabolic by U.S. athletes. At first, only world-class athletes in high-strength sports such as weight lifting abused anabolic. Among Olympic athletes, anabolic steroids were a problem as long ago as 1964.
Athletes and their trainers developed high dose, multiple-drug regimens that were not based on scientific research. These methods of use were passed by word of mouth from one training group to...