Steroid Prevalence Shocks Fans

by Abigail Knowles Wolfe (BPRW)

Steroid use has been a real hot button issue in this year’s national and international sports arena. From Marion Jones to Barry Bonds, athletes in various spheres of sporting have been questioned, chastised and even harshly reprimanded for allegations that anabolic steroids were utilized to improve their athletic performance.

Investigations into steroid use within Major League Baseball seem to indicate its prevalence and acceptance into the mainstream sports culture. The worry for many is the trickle down effect professional athlete’s steroid use has on High School and College sports and on men and women competing in a variety of athletic programs. In fact, non-profit outreach organizations exist throughout the nation to educate High School students on the negative effects of steroid use on their developing bodies as a preventative measure early on.

Anabolic steroids are related to the hormone testosterone, producing increases in physical strength and muscle mass. While used for treatment in certain medical conditions such as for Cancer or AIDS patients lacking the necessary strength for survival, the severe physical and emotional consequences for male and female athletes using steroids can be profound. Stunted growth, liver tumors, high blood pressure, acne and serious changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart are the physical consequences of steroid use while psychological effects include mood swings, aggressiveness, episodes of uncontrolled anger or “roid rage” and depression once steroid use is stopped.

With more drug-testing mandated for student and professional athletes as well as an overall awareness of the dangers of steroid use throughout the general public perhaps this dangerous predicament can be avoided altogether in future generations of athletes.