Quote:
quote:Originally posted by elephas888
Dear Wondewhat,
Anabolic steroids are drugs that are prescribed for specific diseases. When used by persons who are not given prescriptions for them, the usual purpose is to improve athletic performance, bulk up muscles and the like.
Short-term effects -- improved athletic performance
Long-term effects -- buffalo hump (collection of fat to form a hump on the back near the neck), rough skin, heart problems, to mention a few. Athletes have died taking anabolic steroids. Athletes have also shortened their athletic careers.
Legality -- illegal as performance enhancers.
Alternatives -- training, diet and mental training.
Of course, the question is: Do you want to fly high for a few minutes and then to crash and burn? If you get caught (drug testing), you crash even before you soar.
Bottomline -- it's not worth it.
Best regards.
elephas888
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Much of this info is false and typical. This is what our government and the media would like for us to believe and they use scare tactics to try and steer people away from the use of these drugs.
Anabolic steroids are hormones which promote the building of tissue (opposite of catabolic steroids). The are all related to testosterone (the primary male sex hormone) and basically work by shuttling protein.
The Anabolic Steroid Control Act in 1990 put these substances under Schedule III control. The purpose of this was not so much of the dangers of the drugs (there can be side effects but not to the extent that is said there is), but because of sports competition. The International Olympic Comittee, NCAA, and many other sports related organizations played an enormous role in pushing the illegality of using them for sports enhancement. Many feel that for steroids to be a Schedule III substance is rediculous as they are under the same control as many narcotics and put above even such substances such as
Xanax and
Valium which are merely Schedule IV substances (which such drugs obviously impair your ability to function). Steroids are NOT physically addicting. Clearly, reformation of our laws is badly needed.
To criminalize someone who is using steroids for there own satisfaction is absurd and a complete waste of money as even a small part of the failure known as "The War on Drugs." Steroids do not make one "high" and at BEST are highly questionable as to whether or not they promote more aggressive behavior. It is commonly viewed that if someone is already an a**hole, they will still be one while taking them. Some people who are criminalized for comitting a crime often try and "cop out" by stating the steroids made them more aggressive as a way out for a lesser charge.
Steroids do NOT kill people. Although, they CAN worsten an already existing condition. They are not recommended for people who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, elevated liver enzymes, or any who may have cancer. Steroids can wrosten these ALREADY existing conditions. But regular check-ups at your doctor will tell you what you need to know.
If intelligently used (in moderation) and not HEAVILY abused, steroids can be beneficial and a very valuable tool. It is not "cheating" when sports competetion is not involved. Steroids become NECESSARY to go beyond what your genetics will alow you to accomplish as a recreational bodybuilder. Your natural Testosterone levels will only synthesize so much protein. Once you have reached this limit and you cannot grow anymore, then assistance with steroids becomes necessary.
Depending on what steroid(s) you are using, they can be administered by intramuscular injections at many different sites or by oral tablets/casules. In some cases, liquid oral solutions are prepared as well by "chemists."
Side effects are dosage dependant. They are dependant on how the persona reacts to certain types of steroids, and also which steroid(s) the person is using. They can include elevated liver enzymes and increased blood pressure (although moderation of usage and regular check-ups will prevent problems). They can alo include accelerated hair-loss and gynocomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men). These side effects can also be prevented dependant on dosage and with certain ancillary drugs. Increased body hair growth is another side effect.
I hope this info helps. If neccessary, I can list all the different types of steroids and how each steroid works in the body (to some extent). I can also explain how
Insulin and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) work and how they are used in "physical enhancement." This is as much of an unbiased view on these drugs I can give and, yes, they can have side effects. But they are usually only dangerous if you use insane amounts, if you already have pre-existing health conditions, or you don't see your doctor as much as you should. They are nowhere near as dangerous as the dramatic stories told on late night television news programs. Remember: Ratings = $$$ Why don't they attack alcohol and tobacco use instead? Those are the real killers there. Probably because a very large portion of the general public use these "drugs" and they don't want to hear it. But people want to hear exaggerated stories about drugs used by minorities (people other than themselves). Only a select few (athletes and bodybuilders) use steroids.
Don't question authroity. They don't know either.
anabolic steroids; what are they? affects short an 
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