Consequences of Using Steroids

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How would it feel risking your own life because of wanting bigger muscles and less fat? The use of steroids not only affects the user themselves, but family members, friends, anyone the abuser is close to. If you want to have a good looking body, eat healthy and go to the gym and work out. Never do steroids, regardless. The consequences are not worth it. To understand steroid abuse, one must examine the symptoms, misuse, and consequences. The symptoms of steroid abuse can vary causing many different behaviors, either physically or psychologically. Physical or psychological dependency can lead to addiction (“Steroids” Gale). A symptom of steroid use is addiction. Corticosteroids taken in low dosages seem to have few psychiatric effects (“Steroids” International). Different types of steroids have different effects. High doses of corticosteroids can cause symptoms such as euphoria, increased self-confidence, hyperactivity, and impaired judgment (“Steroids” International). There are a variety of effects of steroid abuse. Anabolic androgenic steroids have no immediate psychological effects (“Steroids” Drugs). This type of steroid needs to be used a couple of times before the psychological effects kick in. Taking high amounts of anabolic androgenic steroids can have psychiatric effects including aggressive and violent behavior, and irritability (“Steroids” International). This is commonly referred to as “roid rage.” Males who take anabolic androgenic steroids for a prolonged period of time may suffer depression, suicidal thoughts, or worst case a successful suicide (“Steroids” International). Symptoms can range from not life- threatening to extremely serious. 40% of anabolic androgenic steroid users admit to violent, aggressive behav... ... middle of paper ... ...roid Abuse.” Steroid: Pumped Up & Dangerous (2008): 68-85. Book Collection Nonfiction: High School Edition. Web. 15 Jan. 2014. Silverstein, Alvin, Virginia Silverstein, and Robert Silverstein. Steroids: Big Muscles, Big Problems: Hillside, New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 1992. Print. “Steroids.” Drugs and Controlled Substances: Information for Students. Eds. Stacey L. Blachford and Kristine Krapp. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. “Steroids.” The Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Health. Eds. Laurie J. Fundukian and Jeffery Wilson. 2nd ed. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2008. 1102-1104. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. “Steroids.” International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Ed. William A. Darity, Jr. 2nd ed. Vol. 8. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2008. 142-143. U.S. History in Context. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

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