Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. Athletes and others abuse anabolic steroids to enhance performance and also to improve physical appearance.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, which promote the growth of skeletal muscle and increase lean body mass.
Although people who use anabolic steroids to enhance their physical performance deny that they are addictive, a research study at the University of Southern California showed that hamsters exposed to steriods demonstrated addictive behavior toward them over time.
According to research, high school boys are more likely to use anabolic steroids, while high school girls use more body-shaping, athletic-enhancing drugs.
Anabolic steroids are taken orally or injected, and athletes and other abusers take them typically in cycles of weeks or months, rather than continuously, in patterns called cycling.
Why do people use anabolic steroids? Are anabolic steroids addictive? Frequently asked questions about Anabolic Steriod abuse.
The American Medical Association House of Delegates has called for a ban on the sale of over-the-counter dietary supplements containing anabolic steroid-like ingredients and its precursors.
Researchers find evidence that use of anabolic steroids may have long-term effects on players’ behavior and aggression levels well after they stop abusing these performance enhancing drugs.
OHSU has created two programs for high school athletes -- ATLAS and ATHENA -- that provide healthy alternatives to steroids, sports supplements, alcohol and other drugs, promoting healthy diet and exercise over drugs.
A service of The National Institute on Drug Abuse.
