Download steroids - staff.harrisonburg.k12.va

Bell Ringer #4
• Answer the following question. (2
paragraphs, 5 sentences each)
• Why would someone want to take steroids?
Are athletes the only users? Why or why
not.
STEROIDS
What are steroids?
• Anabolic-androgenic steroids are manmade substances related to male sex
hormones (testosterone).
• “Anabolic” refers to muscle-building.
• “Androgenic” refers to increased masculine
characteristics.
• “Steroids” refers to the classification of the
drug.
Types of Steroids
• Corticosteroids these are creams and
ointments, usually for
controlling rashes and
itching.
• Estrogens and
Progestogens - relates
to female sex
hormones (ex. Birth
conrol).
• Androgens - anabolic
steroids used for
growth and
development of
muscle tissue and
mass.
Production and Traffic
• Illegal anabolic
steroids are often sold
at gyms, competitions,
and through trainers
after being smuggled
into the country.
• It’s easy to smuggle
because they’re not
illegal in most
countries.
• Steroids are also
illegally diverted from
U.S. pharmacies or
synthesized in labs.
• All production, not
associated with the
FDA, is illegal.
• Distribution without a
medical license is
illegal.
Negative Health Effects
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Acne
Breast development in men, decrease in women.
Irritability and aggression (ROID RAGE)
Liver cancer
Heart attacks
Elevated cholesterol levels
Adolescent use may cause a premature stop in
lengthening bones (Stunted growth)
• Mood swings (extremes)
• Cancer
Negative Effects, cont.
• Injecting users subject themselves to Hepatitis or
HIV.
• Withdrawal symptoms when one stops using
steroids: mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss
of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and
depression.
• Depression can lead to suicide.
• If untreated, the withdrawal symptoms could last
up to a year after stopping the use.
“ROID RAGE”
• From the use of steroids, one may develop sudden
urges of anxiety, anger, and paranoia.
• These symptoms lead to possible destruction of
self, property, and other people.
• Urges to throw objects, in a destructive manner, or
harm others in a violent act of rage is known as a
“roid rage”
Positive Effects
• Doctor prescribed
methods increase muscle
tissue for cancer patients.
• Could “jump start” the
testosterone process in
delayed puberty for
adolescents. (Doctor
prescribed)
• Muscle strength,
endurance, and tissue
growth will occur with
steroid use.
Street/Slang Terms
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Arnolds
Gym Candy
Juice
Pumpers
Stackers
Weight Trainers
How Steroids are taken:
• Injected intramuscularly, which the user uses a
needle to insert the steroid directly into the muscle
group being worked.
• Orally, where the user takes a pill and lets it
distribute itself, after broken down by the body, to
all muscle areas.
• Creams, which are rubbed into the skin at
particular areas where the user wants to work out.
Patterns of Use
• Cycling - taking multiple doses of steroids over a
specific period of time, stopping for a period, then
starting over.
• Stacking - combining several different types of
steroids.
• Pyramiding - users slowly escalate, or build up,
the number of drugs used at one time. The dose
and/or frequency may be elevated too. The user
will reach a peak amount, then gradually taper the
dose toward the end of the cycle.
Who Uses Steroids?
• Athletes in sports that rely
on size and strength:
football, baseball, and
wrestling.
• Endurance athletes: track
and swimming.
• Weight training or body
building athletes.
• Anyone else interested in
building or defining
muscles.
Special Dangers to Adolescents
• High school and Middle school students and
athletes need to be aware of the effects on growth.
• Steroids can actually stop the growth process too
soon because of the damage to the growth plates,
joints, etc.
• Adolescents who use steroids are more likely to
start using and become addicted to other drugs.
Train/Work out the smart way!!!
• Ask a doctor about nutrition and safe ways
to gain weight or add size.
• Work Hard!!!
• Proper Diet
• Plenty of Rest
• Set Realistic Goals
• Work with trained supervision