The term “roid rage” first emerged in the 1980s, and subsequent studies established a link between aggression and steroid use. Despite all the bad press and good science showing the dangers of steroid use, some athletes find the promise of quick muscle mass too hard to pass up.
Anabolic steroids are drugs that have similar effects to testosterone in the body. They increase protein within cells, especially in muscles. Because of the unfair advantage they can give an athlete, they are considered cheating and are banned by all major sporting bodies. Despite the ban anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have been the most detected doping substances in professional sports.
There are four common ways anabolic steroids are administered: oral pills, injectable steroids, creams/gels for topical application or skin patches. Whatever the method
anabolic steroid use is risky and can have numerous adverse effects including damage to the immune system, elevated blood pressure, harmful changes in cholesterol levels, liver damage, temporary infertility and heart damage. Psychiatric side effects may include aggression, violence and mania. Dependence and withdrawal symptoms are also possible.
The latest incident to propel steroids into the news is the arrest of Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius on Valentine’s Day after the death of his model girlfriend. The UK paper The Sun suggests the alleged murder may have been fueled by steroids. While still only speculation, CNN confirms that there are reports that banned performance-enhancing drugs were found in the South African sprinter’s Pretoria home. The source also suggests there was evidence of heavy drinking, but no lab tests or police reports have been offered to corroborate these allegations.
Pistorius, nicknamed “Blade Runner” for his lightning-fast prosthetic legs, fought a long battle to be allowed to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, proving his blades gave him no advantage over able-bodied athletes.
If the decorated runner did turn to steroid use to give him a physical advantage, he wouldn’t be the first professional athlete to do so. Lance Armstrong recently made headlines by finally coming clean about his steroid use in a series of interviews with Oprah Winfrey, and the use of banned substances has been found in numerous sports.
Steroid Abuse Help at The Canyon
If you or someone you love needs treatment for steroid or other drug abuse, call The Canyon at the toll-free number on our homepage. We are here 24 hours a day and can answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
