Professional Athletes And Steroids

Steroids are drugs that many athletes use to enhance their abilities in sports. The use of steroids can be dangerous to both your body and mind. The drug also can give athletes unfair advantages which could propel them to victory. The use of steroids should not be permitted in any type of sporting event.

The first use of steroids in sports was recorded in 1954 at the world championships in Vienna, Austria (Courson 72). Russian weight lifters were using steroids and were merely invincible in their competition against other countries (Courson 72). The U.S. coach asked the Russians how they were accomplishing this, and they told him they were given steroids (Courson 72). This started the craze for steroids around the world especially in the United States (Courson 72).

Many scientists believe it can increase strength and body size, but others believe that using the drug makes you hostile and aggressive which makes you train harder therefore resulting in gained body size and strength (Courson 74). Many people that take them are athletes and people with body image issues (Steroids). Others such as police officers and bouncers use them because they work in physical fighting environments (Steroids).

The use of steroids may cause many serious mental side effects. The drug produces a change in the electroencephalogram, an image of the brain activity (Francis 94) . Mood swings are common which are caused by increased hostility and aggressiveness (Cowart 19). Some steroid users even go through violent, uncontrollable rages called " Roid Rage " (Courson 69). Many steroid users feel depressed and do things they would never think of doing (Courson 67). The most greatly affected emotions are agitation, euphoria, insomnia, and psychosis (Francis 95). Steroids may also cause maniac-like symptoms leading violent, even homicidal episodes. Depression often is seen when the drugs are stopped and may contribute to steroid dependence (Gallaway 250). Users may suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irrability, delusions, and impaired judgement stemming form feelings of invincibility (Gallaway 250). Some of these effects are not present at first, but after abusing this drug these symptoms may be irreversible.

Steroids may also cause many serious physical side effects that can be long or short term. There are many short term effects from the use of steroids such as the development of acne, deepened voice, and abnormal hair growth. Metabolism is weakened and levels of blood sugar increase, which worsens diabetes. The incidence of cataracts occurs in eyes. Thinning of the skin occurs and blood vessels near surface of skin become visible. Skin bruises more easily and wounds heal slowly (Mayo Clinic). Changes in the elevation of blood pressure are common. Steroids may be linked to the increased risk of gallstones (Francis 98). The short term effects are less serious than the long term effects. Steroids cause the formation of new bones to be inhibited and osteoporosis and joint damage occurs. The body produces fewer disease fighting antibodies, making you more susceptible to get sick (Mayo Clinic). If taken at an early ...