STEROIDS The Basics:

*Anabolic steriods are a group of powerful compounds that are synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone, testosterone

*These drugs are used illegally by some athletes such as body builders, long-distance runners and cyclists to give them a competitive edge over their other competetors.

*When used in muscle building and sport programs, steroids may contribute to increase in muscular stength and concomitant body weight

*Approximately 2% of teenagers will use steroids before they graduate from high school

Long Term Effects:
*Steroid abuse in young adults can interfere with bone growth and lead to permanently stunted growth
*People who inject steroids also risk contracting HIV and other blood-borne diseases from shared infected needles
*Steroid users are vunerable to more than 70 physical and psychological side effects, many of which are irreversible
*Steroid use most seriously injured the liver and cardiovascular and reproductive systems
*In males, steroids can cause withered testicles, sterility and hair loss
*In females, steroids can lead to irreversiblie masculine traits such as breast reduction
Short Term Effects:
*While some side effects appear quickly, other potential health effects, such as heart attacks and strokes may not occurr for years
*Pyschological effects in both sexes can include depression and an increase in aggressive behaviour