As I stated in my last post I wanted to touch on the dangers of steroids. Despite what we hear from the media about athletes testing positive for steroid usage what we are not hearing are those that aren’t being tested. We know that mixing alcohol and drugs is a dangerous combination but what happens when alcohol and steroids or drugs and steroids are combined?

While aggressive behavior is widely reported, violent behavior that is seen towards other athletes and sometimes even fans is sometimes overlooked with possibly a fine. It’s been noted that athletes arrested for violent behavior aren’t tested for steroids, no one knows if their behavior is related to steroid use or not. What we do know is that steroid effects aren’t limited to game-day performance but they effect off-the-field behavior, as well.

It’s important that we teach our children that there are other ways to achieve their goals and there are training practices that are legal and don’t involve using drugs. We need to educate our children on the dangers of steroid use.

Below is a list of known dangers of steroid use when taken for an extended period of time:
* stunted growth in teens
* liver tumors
* abnormal enlargement of the heart muscles
* violent, aggressive behavior and mood swings
* blood lipid abnormalities that contribute to heart disease
* acne (or worsening of acne)
* increased breast growth in males, expecially teens
* irreversible stretch marks
* a heightened tendency for hair loss and male-pattern baldness
* muscle aches
Teen girls and women risk these additional side effects:
* male-type facial and body hair growth and male-pattern baldness
* deepening of the voice

Besides these known risks, those who use steroids without a prescription are breaking the law.

I’m not saying that all athletes are using steroids and actually I can’t recall any basketball players testing positive for steroid use (although I may be wrong). What I’m saying is with sports an American past time and so many children looking up to these athletes as someone they want to be like we need to encourage our children to achieve their goals by preparing themselves mentally and physically for competition and that no matter what the outcome is, it’s ok.

Leaving you something to think about, don’t you think?