Term paper on Steroids

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Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was born to Josiah and Abian Franklin. Benjamin was one of seventeen children. His father made soap and candles in his shop, The Sign of Blue Ball. At the age of eight Ben was kept out of school to assist

Transcendentalism5
Essay Emerson and Thoreau It is debated whether is possible for high school students to be nonconformists among their peers. To settle this dispute, it is indispensable to define what exactly a nonconformist is. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a nonconformist as one who does not confor

Steroids

What are steroids?

Anabolic androgenic 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 or masculinizing effects cause the development of a deep voice, facial

and body hair, muscle mass, and aggressiveness. Unfortunately, steroid abusers risk

a variety of unwanted side effects, some of which are irreversible. Another significant

danger includes HIV infection if needles are shared.

Some common trade names of anabolic androgenic steroids include Anatrofin,

Anaxvar, Annadrol, Bolasterone, Decadiabolin Decadurabolin, Dehydropiandrosterone (DHEA), Delatestryl, Dianiabol, Dihydrolone, Durabolin,Dymethazine, Enoltestovis, Equipose, Gamma Hydroxybutilate, Maxibolin,Methatriol, Methyl testosterone, Parabolin, Primobolin, Quinolone, Therabolin,Trophobolene, and Winstrol. Slang terms include Gym Candy, Pumpers, Stackers, A s, Anabolics, Arnolds, Bolins, GHB, Oxys, Anabols, Balls or Bulls, Delatestryl,Maxibolin, Weight Trainers, Arnies, Dep-testosterone, Methyl testosterone, Rhoids, and Juice.

Who typically uses steroids?

The majority of steroid users tend to be young, male athletes, although steroid use is not limited to bodybuilders and football players alone. Increasing evidence shows that athletes in endurance sports such as swimming, running, and cycling use steroids. Adolescents may use them to quicken the onset of puberty and maturation, plus male and female models may take them to improve their body image. Those in certain, physically demanding occupations, like law enforcement, bouncers, or military

personnel may use steroids to build strength.

How are steroids used?

Steroids are either taken orally in tablet form or injected intramuscularly. Users rely on hearsay and gossip to determine dosage levels that may not be safe. Individuals abusing steroids take megadoses of hundreds of milligrams per day, whereas doctors prescribe only 1 to 5 mg. per day for legitimate medical uses. Under the false assumption that taking more steroids will yield better results, users typically take many types of steroids in combination with other drugs, a phenomenon known as

stacking. Users often take steroids in cycles where they use steroids for six to 12

weeks at a time punctuated by periods where they do not take steroids. Steroid users

do this to avoid building up a tolerance.

Are steroids used with other drugs?

Steroid users may combine steroids with stimulants, depressants, pain killers,

anti-inflammatory drugs, and other hormones to offset steroid side effects. Paradoxically, this strategy further increases the chances of adverse reactions.

Where do users get steroids?

The majority of these steroids are illegally manufactured or traded on the black

market which eliminates any quality controls. Steroids may be contaminated, mislabeled, or bogus.

Are there valid medical uses for steroids?

Anabolic androgenic steroids are used medically for some forms of anemia, some breast cancers, osteoporosis, endometriosis, and hereditary angiodema, a swelling disorder. However, there is no sanctioned use of steroids for cosmetic purposes or athletic performance. Because of negative side effects and the potential for abuse, anabolic androgenic steroids have been classified as controlled substances with severe penalties for trafficking, possession, or use. Most athletic associations, including the International Olympic Committee, test athletes for steroids, and penalize those in whom steroids are detected.

Can steroids improve athletic performance?

Although users report increases in muscle bulk, strength, and endurance, steroids can not improve agility, athletic skill, and cardiovascular capacity -- factors which also affect performance. In addition, there is no conclusive evidence that steroid use decreases recovery time from injuries. In fact, some research asserts that steroid

abuse hampers the normal process of wound healing.

How can I tell if someone close to me is abusing steroids?

Be aware of the following symptoms of steroid abuse:

Rapid weight gain and muscle development

Acne flare up

Fluid retention

Jaundice (yellow tinge to eyes and skin)

Mood swings and depressed moods

Aggressive behavior

Premature balding

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