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What are Steroids?
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 Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone
testosterone that are taken to build muscle, enhance performance, and
improve appearance. The drug’s anabolic or “muscle-building” effects help
the body retain protein, a necessary building block for the growth of
muscles, bones, and skin. The androgenic effects causes the development of
a deep voice, facial and body hair, muscle mass, and
aggressiveness.
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| Are Steroids Illegal? |
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Steroids
are illegal to possess without a prescription from a licensed
physician. It is illegal for individuals to sell steroids.
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| How are Steroids Used? |
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Steroids may be injected or taken by popping a pill. Individuals abusing
steroids take huge doses (hundreds of milligrams) per day. Individuals
take steroids in cycles. They do this for 6-12 weeks. Sometimes steroid
users will take a short break. They dose this so they don’t build up a
tolerance level. |
| Why Put Yourself in Danger? |
Steroids can cause a lot of different health problems, ranging from mild
to severe to mild. People have died from using steroids. Other side
effects include:
- dizziness
- mood swings, including anger, aggression, and depression
- extreme feelings of mistrust or fear (paranoia)
- problems sleeping
- vomiting
- high blood pressure that can damage the heart or blood vessels over time
- aching joints
- jaundice or yellowing of the skin and liver damage
- increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and some types of
cancer
- aggressiveness
- acne
- for men, shrinking of the testicles, baldness, development of
breasts, increased risk for prostate cancer
- for women, growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, changes
in menstrual cycle, deepened voice.
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