Writing a paper about steroids
- Thread starter SnowBird
- Start date
R1rider
New member
i took a similar class last semester. where do you go to school at? most the information sources are online and on other boards.
the funny part was the teacher would keep looking at me every time he talked about them
Haha thanks guys. I know i have plenty of places to look. Been a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) patient for a few years and a member here for almost a year. Doing plenty of research already. Just was wondering if anybody had some good reads saved or bookmarked that i could add in the mix. Not trying to make the forum do my homework lol.
LANDSCAPE1
New member
keep ology outa your report
Not using ology for that. I was asking if anybody had links to studies and what not. Damn reading comprehension problem?
LANDSCAPE1
New member
e a s y.. lol.try googling steroid studies/effects-
Last edited:
G
GetToDaChoppa!
Guest
I just wrote a argumentative paper for my last writing class on steroids. You can get ideas from this or completely rip if off if you like. Some of my assertions aren't completely accurate regarding addictive properties of roids as some will maintain users can develop a psychological addition (narcissist). However, it's likely your instructor doesn't know shit about steroids anyway. Have fun.
Anabolic Steroids: Regulation Not Prohibition
After the 1988 summer Olympics the largest controversy surrounding anabolic steroid use emerged when gold medalist Ben Johnson was disqualified for doping, an infringement that stripped him of his medal. Consequently, the United States government ushered in the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, labeling steroids a Schedule III controlled substance and possession without a medical prescription became a serious federal offense (Aretha 19). Those who were affected most by the ban were not the minority of users’– competitive athletes, rather the overwhelming majority – recreational users hoping to polish their self image, enhance physical performance, and promote health. The belief anabolic steroids provide unfair advantage in drug-free competitions is incontestable. Regardless, this does not warrant nationwide prohibition for recreational users. Because anabolic steroids can be used safely, do not possess addictive properties, and the circumstances for their illegalization are unjustified, the American Government should repeal laws prohibiting their use.
Steroids come in a variety of forms. The oral compounds can be hazardous when not using proper precautions as they are liver hepatotoxic; they can cause liver damage when used for prolonged periods or in extremely large doses (Brewitt 86). As exemplification of their toxicity, consider the consequences of taking more Ibuprofen than the bottle recommends: potentially dangerous if consumed in inordinate quantities. Although oral compounds can be taken with safety, most steroid users prefer injectable compounds administered through intramuscular injection. Most commonly steroid esters are suspended in rapeseed oil which the body breaks down to utilize the compound it encapsulates. Through biological-chemistry testosterone levels increase throughout the body creating a state of anabolism, the building of muscle tissue.
Testosterone (from which all anabolic steroids are derived) has a myriad of beneficial properties including increased appetite, muscle mass, strength, red blood cell count, sexual responsiveness, mental alertness, and calcium deposition. In addition, varying forms of anabolic steroids are given to patients suffering from muscle wasting diseases, anemia, varying types of cancer, burn victims, HIV, pulmonary fibrosis, and to treat hereditary angioedema - a condition that causes swelling of the extremities (Llewellyn 13). Another beneficial compound listed in the anabolic steroid family is Somatropin (hGH: human growth hormone). Growth hormone is clinically used to treat growth disorders in children and adult growth hormone deficiencies. Other clinical trials have observed decreased body fat, increased muscle mass, bone density, energy levels, sexual function, improved skin tone, and immune system function. In the 1990 Rudman study, clinicians administered human growth hormone to men ages 61 – 81 for a six month period found an overall increase of 8% in lean body mass, decreased fat level by 14.4%, and restored lumbar vertebral done density by 1.6%. A researcher reported “The effects of six months of human growth hormone on lean body mass and adipose-tissue mass were equivalent in magnitude to the change incurred during 10 to 20 years of aging" (Roniger 20). The age reversal characteristics of HGH have many proclaiming it the fountain of youth.
Perhaps the greatest objection against anabolic steroids, only superseded by athletic advantages, are the exaggerated health hazards perpetuated by biased anti-drug organizations and the media. Initially, proponents of steroid use denied these drugs provided any muscle building properties and attributed their effectiveness as a "placebo effect" (Collins). Though, this approach was a blatant denial and proved an ineffective strategy at deterring use. The second most prevalent strategy involved scare tactics including exaggerated claims steroids cause a slew of physical ailments that include blind-rage, impotency, depression and possible suicidal tendencies. The real health hazards surround anabolic steroids are much more realistic however. Do steroids cause acne? Yes, in some cases. Testosterone does stimulate the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for secreting oils within the skin, an effect everyone experiences during puberty. How many photos or movies have you seen of young Arnold Schwarzenegger with acne problems or any Mr. Olympia for that matter? Do steroids cause male pattern baldness? Yes, they can aggravate hair follicles within the scalp if you are genetically predisposed to balding. Are there health concerns over whether or not steroids cause depression? In psychologically sensitive individuals an imbalance of androgens and estrogens can affect mood. However, many users report their change in mood as a positive experience, noting a feeling of euphoria and mental acuity (Llewellyn 35). Can women use anabolic steroids safely? Since anabolic compounds are derived from male hormones, it is probably unwise for females to delve too deeply into androgenic compounds if they wish to keep their female characteristics. There are just a couple steroids that women can take in small quantities safely without causing virilization (development of male secondary sexual characteristics). With any drug, there are pros and cons. As adults we need to hold ourselves accountable in making responsible decisions concerning our health, not Big Brother.
The mainstream media’s primary concern is selling papers or increasing viewer ratings. Therefore, it is not surprising they embellish stories of steroid use to promote sales. Anabolic steroids are vilified as potentially lethal drugs and its users as narcissist willing to risk their lives achieving a perfect physique and striving to meet their physical aspirations. For example, in HBO’s 1994 after school special, “A Body to Die For: The Aaron Henry Story” depicts Ben Affleck, a rising high school football star confront his girlfriend after she finds a stash of his steroids. The irritable jock impatiently questions her motives and when her answers prove unsatisfactory, he develops “roid-rage” and threatens to kill her if she tells anyone of his drug use. The hulking and enraged Affleck belligerently destroys his apartment. The only pause in his steroid-induced rage appears when his stash of steroidal pills spill on the floor. The scene continues with Ben on his knees gobbling dozens of pills straight from the bottle as if the tablets were a potent narcotic and he a deprived narcotic junkie. A revitalized Ben Affleck continues smashing chairs, punching holes in walls, and ramming his bedroom door way with his shoulder as aggressive football clashes flash the screen. Finally, the scene ends with the mentally unstable jock weeping on the floor moaning for help.
Some anti-steroid organizations will transcend ignorantly-conceived misinformation into the realm of disinformation: purposely misleading material. Drug awareness books such as Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs by David Aretha informs the reader “Many steroid users prefer to inject the drug into their veins or muscles…;” a grossly inaccurate statement as all anabolic steroid injections are intramuscular. Purposely injecting into a vein could be life threatening, not because it’s a steroid, simply because injecting anything foreign into your veins is a serious health hazard without medical supervision. Aretha also examines the risks of sharing needles, such as contracting HIV or hepatitis (25). This may be a legitimate concern among heroin and methamphetamine users, but not steroid users. Needle sharing among steroids users is an unheard practice because users necessitate different compounds depending on their individual goals and mixing them would be unbeneficial. To illustrate this point, consider a scenario where two friends, one with back pain and a subscription to pain relievers and the other with a prescription for anti-depressants for anxiety. Imagine the friend with back pain running out of pain pills and the other offering anti-depressants to quell the pain: it would not make sense. The goals of steroid users are entirely different. In addition, steroid use is generally a private matter. Most recreation bodybuilders and powerlifters prefer to project the illusion they acquired their physiques naturally and unassisted. Moreover, injecting these compounds intramuscularly dulls the needle making it painful if used more than once. In attempt to further solidify the danger of steroids, Aretha misrepresents the few performance-enhancing drug users who have committed murder, alluding anabolic steroids changes moral fortitude. It is my belief those who are morally deficient and willing to commit murder will do so with or without elevated testosterone levels. While this example illustrates one author’s perspective, the majority of publications demonizing these compounds follow a similar trend: utter inaccuracy. It’s precisely this type of hyperbole, disinformation, and scare tactics flooding American televisions that creates ignorance of performance-enhancing drugs to fester. However, those who use steroids know these inaccurate claims are concocted from anecdotal evidence rather than scientific research.
When comparing the health risks associated with anabolic steroids versus using legal substances such as alcohol and nicotine products, the concerns over steroids is negligible. In the year 2000, approximately 435,000 deaths were attributed to tobacco use and 85,000 fatalities to alcohol use (Mokdad 1238). In contrast, the evidence that anabolic steroids definitively ever caused a death has not been determined. The few deaths assumed to be correlated with anabolic steroid use are likely due to other dangerous substances irresponsible individuals use in combination with steroids such as amphetamines, insulin, and diuretics. Amphetamine is a potent stimulant used by some to promote fat loss, endurance, productivity, and suppress appetite. However, it also stresses the heart and could cause heart palpitations and ultimately lead to a heart attack (Alters). Insulin is naturally produced by the pancreas and its function is to regulate the metabolism of glucose and other nutrients throughout the body. Often athletes use insulin because it supersaturates the muscle cells with glycogen acting as larger than normal energy reserves and glucose engorged muscles appear larger. However, when insulin is used in large doses it can rapidly deplete the blood stream of glucose (the brains only fuel source) causing sudden a coma and rapid death (Llewellyn 368). Another popular drug used to promote a lean and “shredded” look are diuretics. These powerful drugs shed water weight from the body and when used improperly can cause dizziness, diarrhea, cramping, numbing of extremities, weakness, cardiac distress, extreme dehydration and electrolyte depletion leading to coma and death. “There is little doubt that diuretic use poses the greatest risk to an athlete. The dangers of the practice are much more pronounced than that of steroids, and are usually the cause when an ambitious professional is sacrificed to drug use” (Llewellyn 305). Clearly, these potent compounds should not be confused with anabolic steroids and are likely the culprits behind the majority of the few fatalities associated with steroids.
After legislation passed the Drug Abuse Act of 1988 prohibiting anabolic steroids, shrewd entrepreneurs found a loop hole that mandated all illegal steroids be cataloged by their chemical structure (Almond). Any steroids compounds left off the list are still legal until congress is able to analyze the compound, and through a slow bureaucratic process, ban the questionable substance. Subsequently, clever chemist devised new ways of marketing compounds similar in structure to the originals call pro-hormones. With careful manipulation of the chemical chain, adding a chemical bond here and there, the chemical structure of the compound was altered enough to be sold as a legitimate product. Products such as Trenadrol, Superdrol, and Halotest are all highly androgenic testosterone precursors readily available to any high school student looking for athletic advantage over their peers. The more androgenic a compound is, the more responsive the body is to combat its effects. The body will attempt to compensate high androgen levels by releasing estrogen. Thus, problems such as gynocomastia arise - development of breast tissue in males (Llewellyn 35). Because the chemical structures of prohomones are carefully developed to pass legal loop holes rather than producing a safe product, these pro-hormones have proven to be far more dangerous than the original hormones they replaced.
American consumers spend exorbitant wealth on weight loss supplements, fitness equipment, and cosmetic surgeries; we are a nation obsessed with self-image. The cost of maintaining our narcissism is sometimes detrimental, but regardless, our decision. We’re bombarded by stories of drug addicts committing terrible crimes because they’re driven by an insatiable addiction. Steroid users are not drug addicted maniacs and steroids should not be equated to drugs like crack cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth. The Ben Johnson scandal put not just competitive athletes in the spot-light, but anyone who used steroids recreationally in the pursuit of personal enhancement. Despite the evidence they naturally occurring hormones possess medicinal properties, human growth hormone, testosterone and its derivates were banned by the United States Congress in one fell swoop not because these unique compounds created a nationwide health epidemic, rather they were ethically objectionable when used in competition. In prohibiting safe human-grade steroids the government created another seedy underground black market in steroid vendition. Legal loop-holes were also created allowing the production of lucrative and potentially detrimental prohormones alternatives easily accessible by teenagers. As with alcohol and tobacco products, anabolic steroids should be regulated to ensure responsible adults are using them rather than falling into the hands of users under the age of twenty-one. The prohibition on anabolic steroids was not a rational decision that ensured societal fortitude, rather another interjection of government which further infringes on our civil liberties.
Works Cited
Llewellyn, Willam. Anabolics 2006 Edition. Jupiter, FL: Body of Science, 2006. N. pag. Print.
An incredible source covering the history, chemical properties, and physiological effects of nearly every steroid created and manufactured up to the year 2006. Although written from a strict scientific perspective, the book is intended as a reference manual for anabolic steroid users. Every steroid profile is examined individually. The author also examines and warns about the medical consequences of steroids use.
"A Body to Die For: The Aaron Henry Story." Lifestories: Families in Crisis. HBO. 109, 22 Mar. 1994. Web.
A good video source that depicts the inaccuracies and hyperbole used by the media to sensationalize the evils of using anabolic steroids. Ben Affleck is a rising football star who delves into the dark world of steroids to enhance his physical abilities. I found this video clip to be a perfect example showing how the media embellishes stories performance enhancing drugs and users.
Aretha, David. Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2005. 19-25. Print.
David Aretha targets an adolescent market using scare tactics in deterring teens aware from steroids use. Pretty much every cliché surrounding steroid use is held with the text of this nearly fictions piece of literature.
"Alcohol, Tobacco, Illicit Drugs, and Youth." Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illicit Drugs. Ed. Sandra M. Alters. Information Plus® Reference Series. 2007 ed. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2007. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale.
Brewitt PhD, Barbara. "Rethinking Hormone Therapy Strategies: Rationale for Homeopathic hGh and IGF-1." Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients Mar. 2002: 3+. Web. 22 Apr. 2010.
Collins, Rick. "The Health Risks of Steroid Use Have Been Exaggerated." At Issue: Performance-Enhancing Drugs. Ed. James Haley. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale.
Mokdad, Ali H., PhD, James S. Marks, MD, MPH, Donna F. Stroup, PhD, MSc, Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, "Actual Causes of Death in the United States, 2000," Journal of the American Medical Association, (March 10, 2004), G225 Vol. 291, No. 10, p. 1238, 1240.
Roniger, Lori R. "Human Growth Hormone: Fountain of youth or prescription for danger? -- Some practitioners advocate replacing youth's lost hormone levels in aging adults, but researchers advise a more cautious approac." Biomechanics 1 May 2006: 20. Web. 27 Apr. 2010.
Almond, Elliot. "Buyer frenzy before prohormone is banned." San Jose Mercury News (San Jose, CA). (Jan 18, 2005): NA. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale.
Outline
Title: Anabolic Steroids: Regulation Not Prohibition
Thesis: Because anabolic steroids can be used safely, do not posses addictive properties, and the circumstances for their illegalization are unjustified, the American Government should repeal laws prohibiting their recreational use.
I. Introduction
A. Why anabolic steroids are banned
B. Government intervention in nation pass-time sports
C. Ben Johnson scandal
II. Performance enhancing drug types
A. Oral compounds – hazards
B. Injectable compounds
III. Medicinal benefits of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone
A. Medicinal use
a. Muscle wasting diseases
b. Age Reversal properties
IV. Recognizing common ailments associated with steroid use and debunking myths
A. Common steroid ailments
a. Acne
b. Hair loss
c. Aggression
V. Examples of media exaggeration
A. After school specials
a. Ben Affleck’s roid-rage
B. Debunking anabolic steroid myths
C. Comparing risks: anabolic steroids vs. legal drugs
VI. The real risk factors
A. Drugs commonly used in unison with steroids, the culprit behind the bad image steroids
a. Diuretics
b. Amphetamine
c. Insulin
B. The industry created by steroid prohibition: prohormones
a. Danger of prohormones
b. Easy access of hormones more dangerous than the original
VII. Conclusion
A. Reassert claims and affirmations
Anabolic Steroids: Regulation Not Prohibition
After the 1988 summer Olympics the largest controversy surrounding anabolic steroid use emerged when gold medalist Ben Johnson was disqualified for doping, an infringement that stripped him of his medal. Consequently, the United States government ushered in the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, labeling steroids a Schedule III controlled substance and possession without a medical prescription became a serious federal offense (Aretha 19). Those who were affected most by the ban were not the minority of users’– competitive athletes, rather the overwhelming majority – recreational users hoping to polish their self image, enhance physical performance, and promote health. The belief anabolic steroids provide unfair advantage in drug-free competitions is incontestable. Regardless, this does not warrant nationwide prohibition for recreational users. Because anabolic steroids can be used safely, do not possess addictive properties, and the circumstances for their illegalization are unjustified, the American Government should repeal laws prohibiting their use.
Steroids come in a variety of forms. The oral compounds can be hazardous when not using proper precautions as they are liver hepatotoxic; they can cause liver damage when used for prolonged periods or in extremely large doses (Brewitt 86). As exemplification of their toxicity, consider the consequences of taking more Ibuprofen than the bottle recommends: potentially dangerous if consumed in inordinate quantities. Although oral compounds can be taken with safety, most steroid users prefer injectable compounds administered through intramuscular injection. Most commonly steroid esters are suspended in rapeseed oil which the body breaks down to utilize the compound it encapsulates. Through biological-chemistry testosterone levels increase throughout the body creating a state of anabolism, the building of muscle tissue.
Testosterone (from which all anabolic steroids are derived) has a myriad of beneficial properties including increased appetite, muscle mass, strength, red blood cell count, sexual responsiveness, mental alertness, and calcium deposition. In addition, varying forms of anabolic steroids are given to patients suffering from muscle wasting diseases, anemia, varying types of cancer, burn victims, HIV, pulmonary fibrosis, and to treat hereditary angioedema - a condition that causes swelling of the extremities (Llewellyn 13). Another beneficial compound listed in the anabolic steroid family is Somatropin (hGH: human growth hormone). Growth hormone is clinically used to treat growth disorders in children and adult growth hormone deficiencies. Other clinical trials have observed decreased body fat, increased muscle mass, bone density, energy levels, sexual function, improved skin tone, and immune system function. In the 1990 Rudman study, clinicians administered human growth hormone to men ages 61 – 81 for a six month period found an overall increase of 8% in lean body mass, decreased fat level by 14.4%, and restored lumbar vertebral done density by 1.6%. A researcher reported “The effects of six months of human growth hormone on lean body mass and adipose-tissue mass were equivalent in magnitude to the change incurred during 10 to 20 years of aging" (Roniger 20). The age reversal characteristics of HGH have many proclaiming it the fountain of youth.
Perhaps the greatest objection against anabolic steroids, only superseded by athletic advantages, are the exaggerated health hazards perpetuated by biased anti-drug organizations and the media. Initially, proponents of steroid use denied these drugs provided any muscle building properties and attributed their effectiveness as a "placebo effect" (Collins). Though, this approach was a blatant denial and proved an ineffective strategy at deterring use. The second most prevalent strategy involved scare tactics including exaggerated claims steroids cause a slew of physical ailments that include blind-rage, impotency, depression and possible suicidal tendencies. The real health hazards surround anabolic steroids are much more realistic however. Do steroids cause acne? Yes, in some cases. Testosterone does stimulate the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for secreting oils within the skin, an effect everyone experiences during puberty. How many photos or movies have you seen of young Arnold Schwarzenegger with acne problems or any Mr. Olympia for that matter? Do steroids cause male pattern baldness? Yes, they can aggravate hair follicles within the scalp if you are genetically predisposed to balding. Are there health concerns over whether or not steroids cause depression? In psychologically sensitive individuals an imbalance of androgens and estrogens can affect mood. However, many users report their change in mood as a positive experience, noting a feeling of euphoria and mental acuity (Llewellyn 35). Can women use anabolic steroids safely? Since anabolic compounds are derived from male hormones, it is probably unwise for females to delve too deeply into androgenic compounds if they wish to keep their female characteristics. There are just a couple steroids that women can take in small quantities safely without causing virilization (development of male secondary sexual characteristics). With any drug, there are pros and cons. As adults we need to hold ourselves accountable in making responsible decisions concerning our health, not Big Brother.
The mainstream media’s primary concern is selling papers or increasing viewer ratings. Therefore, it is not surprising they embellish stories of steroid use to promote sales. Anabolic steroids are vilified as potentially lethal drugs and its users as narcissist willing to risk their lives achieving a perfect physique and striving to meet their physical aspirations. For example, in HBO’s 1994 after school special, “A Body to Die For: The Aaron Henry Story” depicts Ben Affleck, a rising high school football star confront his girlfriend after she finds a stash of his steroids. The irritable jock impatiently questions her motives and when her answers prove unsatisfactory, he develops “roid-rage” and threatens to kill her if she tells anyone of his drug use. The hulking and enraged Affleck belligerently destroys his apartment. The only pause in his steroid-induced rage appears when his stash of steroidal pills spill on the floor. The scene continues with Ben on his knees gobbling dozens of pills straight from the bottle as if the tablets were a potent narcotic and he a deprived narcotic junkie. A revitalized Ben Affleck continues smashing chairs, punching holes in walls, and ramming his bedroom door way with his shoulder as aggressive football clashes flash the screen. Finally, the scene ends with the mentally unstable jock weeping on the floor moaning for help.
Some anti-steroid organizations will transcend ignorantly-conceived misinformation into the realm of disinformation: purposely misleading material. Drug awareness books such as Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs by David Aretha informs the reader “Many steroid users prefer to inject the drug into their veins or muscles…;” a grossly inaccurate statement as all anabolic steroid injections are intramuscular. Purposely injecting into a vein could be life threatening, not because it’s a steroid, simply because injecting anything foreign into your veins is a serious health hazard without medical supervision. Aretha also examines the risks of sharing needles, such as contracting HIV or hepatitis (25). This may be a legitimate concern among heroin and methamphetamine users, but not steroid users. Needle sharing among steroids users is an unheard practice because users necessitate different compounds depending on their individual goals and mixing them would be unbeneficial. To illustrate this point, consider a scenario where two friends, one with back pain and a subscription to pain relievers and the other with a prescription for anti-depressants for anxiety. Imagine the friend with back pain running out of pain pills and the other offering anti-depressants to quell the pain: it would not make sense. The goals of steroid users are entirely different. In addition, steroid use is generally a private matter. Most recreation bodybuilders and powerlifters prefer to project the illusion they acquired their physiques naturally and unassisted. Moreover, injecting these compounds intramuscularly dulls the needle making it painful if used more than once. In attempt to further solidify the danger of steroids, Aretha misrepresents the few performance-enhancing drug users who have committed murder, alluding anabolic steroids changes moral fortitude. It is my belief those who are morally deficient and willing to commit murder will do so with or without elevated testosterone levels. While this example illustrates one author’s perspective, the majority of publications demonizing these compounds follow a similar trend: utter inaccuracy. It’s precisely this type of hyperbole, disinformation, and scare tactics flooding American televisions that creates ignorance of performance-enhancing drugs to fester. However, those who use steroids know these inaccurate claims are concocted from anecdotal evidence rather than scientific research.
When comparing the health risks associated with anabolic steroids versus using legal substances such as alcohol and nicotine products, the concerns over steroids is negligible. In the year 2000, approximately 435,000 deaths were attributed to tobacco use and 85,000 fatalities to alcohol use (Mokdad 1238). In contrast, the evidence that anabolic steroids definitively ever caused a death has not been determined. The few deaths assumed to be correlated with anabolic steroid use are likely due to other dangerous substances irresponsible individuals use in combination with steroids such as amphetamines, insulin, and diuretics. Amphetamine is a potent stimulant used by some to promote fat loss, endurance, productivity, and suppress appetite. However, it also stresses the heart and could cause heart palpitations and ultimately lead to a heart attack (Alters). Insulin is naturally produced by the pancreas and its function is to regulate the metabolism of glucose and other nutrients throughout the body. Often athletes use insulin because it supersaturates the muscle cells with glycogen acting as larger than normal energy reserves and glucose engorged muscles appear larger. However, when insulin is used in large doses it can rapidly deplete the blood stream of glucose (the brains only fuel source) causing sudden a coma and rapid death (Llewellyn 368). Another popular drug used to promote a lean and “shredded” look are diuretics. These powerful drugs shed water weight from the body and when used improperly can cause dizziness, diarrhea, cramping, numbing of extremities, weakness, cardiac distress, extreme dehydration and electrolyte depletion leading to coma and death. “There is little doubt that diuretic use poses the greatest risk to an athlete. The dangers of the practice are much more pronounced than that of steroids, and are usually the cause when an ambitious professional is sacrificed to drug use” (Llewellyn 305). Clearly, these potent compounds should not be confused with anabolic steroids and are likely the culprits behind the majority of the few fatalities associated with steroids.
After legislation passed the Drug Abuse Act of 1988 prohibiting anabolic steroids, shrewd entrepreneurs found a loop hole that mandated all illegal steroids be cataloged by their chemical structure (Almond). Any steroids compounds left off the list are still legal until congress is able to analyze the compound, and through a slow bureaucratic process, ban the questionable substance. Subsequently, clever chemist devised new ways of marketing compounds similar in structure to the originals call pro-hormones. With careful manipulation of the chemical chain, adding a chemical bond here and there, the chemical structure of the compound was altered enough to be sold as a legitimate product. Products such as Trenadrol, Superdrol, and Halotest are all highly androgenic testosterone precursors readily available to any high school student looking for athletic advantage over their peers. The more androgenic a compound is, the more responsive the body is to combat its effects. The body will attempt to compensate high androgen levels by releasing estrogen. Thus, problems such as gynocomastia arise - development of breast tissue in males (Llewellyn 35). Because the chemical structures of prohomones are carefully developed to pass legal loop holes rather than producing a safe product, these pro-hormones have proven to be far more dangerous than the original hormones they replaced.
American consumers spend exorbitant wealth on weight loss supplements, fitness equipment, and cosmetic surgeries; we are a nation obsessed with self-image. The cost of maintaining our narcissism is sometimes detrimental, but regardless, our decision. We’re bombarded by stories of drug addicts committing terrible crimes because they’re driven by an insatiable addiction. Steroid users are not drug addicted maniacs and steroids should not be equated to drugs like crack cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth. The Ben Johnson scandal put not just competitive athletes in the spot-light, but anyone who used steroids recreationally in the pursuit of personal enhancement. Despite the evidence they naturally occurring hormones possess medicinal properties, human growth hormone, testosterone and its derivates were banned by the United States Congress in one fell swoop not because these unique compounds created a nationwide health epidemic, rather they were ethically objectionable when used in competition. In prohibiting safe human-grade steroids the government created another seedy underground black market in steroid vendition. Legal loop-holes were also created allowing the production of lucrative and potentially detrimental prohormones alternatives easily accessible by teenagers. As with alcohol and tobacco products, anabolic steroids should be regulated to ensure responsible adults are using them rather than falling into the hands of users under the age of twenty-one. The prohibition on anabolic steroids was not a rational decision that ensured societal fortitude, rather another interjection of government which further infringes on our civil liberties.
Works Cited
Llewellyn, Willam. Anabolics 2006 Edition. Jupiter, FL: Body of Science, 2006. N. pag. Print.
An incredible source covering the history, chemical properties, and physiological effects of nearly every steroid created and manufactured up to the year 2006. Although written from a strict scientific perspective, the book is intended as a reference manual for anabolic steroid users. Every steroid profile is examined individually. The author also examines and warns about the medical consequences of steroids use.
"A Body to Die For: The Aaron Henry Story." Lifestories: Families in Crisis. HBO. 109, 22 Mar. 1994. Web.
A good video source that depicts the inaccuracies and hyperbole used by the media to sensationalize the evils of using anabolic steroids. Ben Affleck is a rising football star who delves into the dark world of steroids to enhance his physical abilities. I found this video clip to be a perfect example showing how the media embellishes stories performance enhancing drugs and users.
Aretha, David. Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2005. 19-25. Print.
David Aretha targets an adolescent market using scare tactics in deterring teens aware from steroids use. Pretty much every cliché surrounding steroid use is held with the text of this nearly fictions piece of literature.
"Alcohol, Tobacco, Illicit Drugs, and Youth." Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illicit Drugs. Ed. Sandra M. Alters. Information Plus® Reference Series. 2007 ed. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2007. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale.
Brewitt PhD, Barbara. "Rethinking Hormone Therapy Strategies: Rationale for Homeopathic hGh and IGF-1." Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients Mar. 2002: 3+. Web. 22 Apr. 2010.
Collins, Rick. "The Health Risks of Steroid Use Have Been Exaggerated." At Issue: Performance-Enhancing Drugs. Ed. James Haley. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale.
Mokdad, Ali H., PhD, James S. Marks, MD, MPH, Donna F. Stroup, PhD, MSc, Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, "Actual Causes of Death in the United States, 2000," Journal of the American Medical Association, (March 10, 2004), G225 Vol. 291, No. 10, p. 1238, 1240.
Roniger, Lori R. "Human Growth Hormone: Fountain of youth or prescription for danger? -- Some practitioners advocate replacing youth's lost hormone levels in aging adults, but researchers advise a more cautious approac." Biomechanics 1 May 2006: 20. Web. 27 Apr. 2010.
Almond, Elliot. "Buyer frenzy before prohormone is banned." San Jose Mercury News (San Jose, CA). (Jan 18, 2005): NA. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale.
Outline
Title: Anabolic Steroids: Regulation Not Prohibition
Thesis: Because anabolic steroids can be used safely, do not posses addictive properties, and the circumstances for their illegalization are unjustified, the American Government should repeal laws prohibiting their recreational use.
I. Introduction
A. Why anabolic steroids are banned
B. Government intervention in nation pass-time sports
C. Ben Johnson scandal
II. Performance enhancing drug types
A. Oral compounds – hazards
B. Injectable compounds
III. Medicinal benefits of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone
A. Medicinal use
a. Muscle wasting diseases
b. Age Reversal properties
IV. Recognizing common ailments associated with steroid use and debunking myths
A. Common steroid ailments
a. Acne
b. Hair loss
c. Aggression
V. Examples of media exaggeration
A. After school specials
a. Ben Affleck’s roid-rage
B. Debunking anabolic steroid myths
C. Comparing risks: anabolic steroids vs. legal drugs
VI. The real risk factors
A. Drugs commonly used in unison with steroids, the culprit behind the bad image steroids
a. Diuretics
b. Amphetamine
c. Insulin
B. The industry created by steroid prohibition: prohormones
a. Danger of prohormones
b. Easy access of hormones more dangerous than the original
VII. Conclusion
A. Reassert claims and affirmations
Last edited:
G
GetToDaChoppa!
Guest
By the way, I think that's my rough draft. I can't find the final. There may be some errors on this one.
Just any sort of research information on them. Im already using clips from it.
Awesome thank you. I will probably use some excerpts from it.
SoreButtCheeks
Steroid blogger.
your teachers don#t want to hear the truth, demonize steroids or you'll probably fail the class :-(
