 |
|
|||||||||
Published on: Jul 24, 2006
Last modification: Jul 24, 2006
Steroids are illegal. Why?
by SirGan
 Almost everyone knows that the anabolic steroids are substances abused for years now by various athletes are synthetic. These substances are in fact versions of testosterone, a male hormone. It is a known fact that both men and women naturally produce testosterone, males in the testes, and females in the ovaries and other tissues. However- like all hormones, which regulate the body's most basic functions, causing imbalance of testosterone can have wide-ranging consequences. Problem is also that, once viewed as a problem strictly associated with body builders, the abuse of steroids is widespread problem even in school-age children, athletes, business professionals, etc…The most dangerous thing is that some people are taking dietary supplements that act as steroid precursors without any knowledge of the dangers associated with their abuse. It is hard to believe but these supplements are sold in health food stores, over the internet, and through mail order. Supplements may also have the same medical consequences as steroids.
Beside all this- they are illegal!!!
What are anabolic steroids?Not too many people know that anabolic steroids are nothing more then simple synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. Both males and females have testosterone produced in their bodies: males in the testes, and females in the ovaries and other tissues. The full name for this class of drugs is androgenic (which means that they promote masculine characteristics) anabolic (act on tissue building) steroids (this is the class of drugs).
There are many different variants of steroids as well as the street names! Some of the most abused steroids include:
The common street (slang) names for anabolic steroids include:
It is important to know that these substances are also normally and legally prescribed by doctors for various conditions.
 How are Anabolic Steroids Used?Everyone should know that anabolic steroids can be taken:
Dosages can vary because it depends on the medical condition, its severity and age of the patient. In illegal use of this group of steroids dosages are highly variable and can be 10 to 40, sometimes a 100 times higher than the recommended dose.
Two or more oral and injectable types of the drug are often used, called 'stacking', as there is a belief that two or more interacting steroids produced an improved result. Important thing to know is that there is a drug free period after this before the cycle starts again. It is believed by arranging the doses and drugs in this way that the body is allowed time to adjust and avoid the well documented side effects as the body can return to normal production of hormones.
Effects of steroids on humansAlthough many experts are saying differently- the fact is that the short-term adverse physical effects of anabolic steroid abuse are fairly well known. It is proven that abuse of anabolic steroids may result in harmful side-effects as well as serious injury and death. The most important thing is that the abuser in most cases is unaware of these dangers. It is important to recognize this problem and take preventive measures to protect athletes and other users.
Several researches have proven that the two major effects of testosterone are:
1. an androgenic effectImportant thing is that this term-androgenic refers to the physical changes experienced by a male during puberty. Androgenic effects would be similarly experienced in a female. Try to remember that this property is responsible for the majority of the side effects of steroid use.
2. an anabolic effectIt is simple - the term anabolic refers to promoting of anabolism, the actual building of tissues, mainly muscle, accomplished by the promotion of protein synthesis.
Steroids are also purported to:
Short-Term EffectsThe major effects of anabolic steroid use include
For men, additional side effects include:
For women, additional side effects include:
For adolescents, additional side effects include:
Steroids abuseAlthough everyone knows that these substances are being abused, the right questions should be -Why are they abused? Well, it is a known fact that anabolic steroids are primarily used by bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts who claim steroids give them a competitive advantage and improve their physical performance. This is the most common cause! Also, individuals in occupations such as body guards, construction workers, and law enforcement officers are known to take these drugs. Some researches suggest that 2.5% of high school pupils in the US will have taken illegal steroids at some time. This is particularly worrying considering the very high risks of steroid abuse in those under the age of 18.
Steroids and addictionAlso very important questions is- are anabolic steroids addictive? Several recent studies suggest that long-time steroid users and steroid abusers may experience the classic characteristics of addiction including:
Anabolic steroid side effectsTypical problems that could be find in people who abuse anabolic steroids include liver tumors and cancer, jaundice, retention of fluid, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes, increases in LDL, kidney cancer, acne and trembling. Another common complication is gynecomastia. Condition characterized by growth of the breasts which is generally irreversible and plastic surgery is required to remove the breasts.
Several researches have proven that women can start looking like men: growing beards, going bald, voice breaking - while their menstrual cycle changes or stops, and the clitoris enlarges.
Very important thing is that steroid abuse is particularly risky for teenagers, because it forces the body rapidly to adulthood, bones stop growing - permanently - and they reach puberty early.
And of course, steroid injecting carries all the other risks associated with other injecting drug use, such as infection with HIV, and hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
Are Steroids Illegal?The answer is simple- Yes, STEROIDS ARE ILLEGAL which means that, without a doctor's prescription for a medical condition, it's against the law to possess, sell, or distribute anabolic steroids.
The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 placed anabolic steroids into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Everyone should know that, under this legislation, anabolic steroids are defined as any drug or hormonal substance chemically and pharmacologically related to testosterone that promotes muscle growth.
People shouldn’t understand this as some joke because it is a serious thing! Under federal law, first-time simple possession of anabolic steroids carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. For first-offense trafficking in steroids, the maximum penalty is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Second offenses double this penalty. In addition to federal penalties, state laws also prohibit illegal anabolic steroid use. While the above listed penalties are for federal offenses, individual states have also implemented fines and penalties for illegal use of anabolic steroids.
SmugglingEveryone should know that for purposes of illegal use there are several sources. The most common illegal source is from smuggling steroids into the U.S. from other countries such as Mexico and European countries. Do you know where the catch is? Smuggling from these areas is easier because a prescription is not required for the purchase of steroids. Less often steroids found in the illicit market are diverted from legitimate sources or produced in clandestine laboratories.
|
|
|
Article sources
|
