Anabolic Steroids In Sports

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Steroids in Sports For years the problem of drug abuse, particularly the use of anabolic steroids, was hidden and/or denied at most levels of the sports world. To speak of it was taboo. At the lower levels of sports there was a ‘code-of-silence’ that teammates used to protect themselves. Now, however, the media has publicized its use making the problem too widespread, detailing the results, and projecting the dangers. The purpose of this paper will be to discuss the use of anabolic steroids in sports; their success in building muscular power while also destroying the body and the mind, and its use in sports. In addition, the criticisms aimed at the use of steroids as well as what the sports world is attempting to do to restrict their…show more content…
Testosterone is a natural occurring hormone in many plants, animals and in the human body. They are found in sex hormones, bile acids and cholesterol. These natural hormones give assistance to many body functions. They make men masculine. It gives them their deep voices, facial hair, and aggressive behavior. Steroids are what promote the growth of muscle tissue. Steroids are produced artificially. They can be used for medical reasons, but their use is mostly for athletic enhancement and modifying a person’s physical features (tones and muscular bodies). Medically, anabolic steroids are available by prescription. Due to the abuse of anabolic steroids for athletic purposes along with the long term negative effects, they were banned in the United States in 1973. As will all illegal drugs this does not prevent people from getting a hold of them. Many private gym owners are involved in selling…show more content…
There are many benefits from steroid use. To begin, athletes will attain a greater increase muscle mass and reduced fat. When it is used with a combination of rigorous training and the drug, the results are sometimes overwhelming. A major benefit of the steroid use is that the athlete's body suffers fewer breakdowns. This decrease in muscle breakdown and lower recovery time permits more frequent training sessions at higher intensity and for longer periods of time. Another benefit is the increased aggressiveness they are believed to simulate, also noted as enhanced athletic performance. This increased aggressiveness may drive athletes to train harder and longer without the usual fatigue (Entine, 2000). Other positive effects of using steroids are increases in; storage of muscle glycogen, blood volume, a general increase of the immune system, and the reduction of body fat percentage. The effects are maintained as long as the athlete continues the steroid
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