Young people sometimes have the urge to try taking steroids to improve their performance and increase their muscle mass . But is steroid use safe? What are the effects of steroid use on young people ? you can find the brief study for the above question at jbhnews.
We look at the use of steroids in sports and how young people can be affected .
What are the effects of steroid use on young people ?
In addition to using steroids , other performance-enhancing drugs such as EPO (erythropoietin) and growth hormone can also be used .
These drugs enhance physical performance by stimulating the body’s production of red blood cells , protein, and other substances that aid muscle growth .
To optimize performance, steroid users often combine these drugs with diuretics or antihistamines to reduce water retention , thus decreasing muscle bulk and improving the appearance of the body .
As with any performance-enhancing drug , young people using steroids risk side effects such as high blood pressure, liver damage, kidney damage, and muscle loss .
Other side effects include acne and infertility .
Researchers estimate about 2% of young people aged between 15 and 18 have used steroids at least once .
A study carried out in the United States shows that around one in ten young American men under 21 have used steroids at least once in their lifetime .
Researchers estimate that around one in 20 young men aged between 15 to 19 have used steroids at least once in their lifetime .
What is the use of steroids in sports ?
Many athletes believe that taking steroids will increase their performance and help them win competitions .
However , research has shown that there is no significant difference between athletes who take steroids and those who do not take steroids in terms of winning Olympic medals .
According to research , athletes taking steroids are more likely to injure themselves .
Some sports such as boxing and wrestling do not allow steroid use. In courts of law , the athlete is judged on their performance, not on whether or not they have taken steroids .
Using steroids in sports is illegal in most countries . Athletes who use steroids face a number of sanctions including disqualification from competitions and ban from participating in sports.
How does steroid use affect young people ?
Young people might be attracted to using performance-enhancing drugs because of the pressure put on them to become ‘big’ and strong in sport .
They may also be tempted to use these drugs because of the belief that they will improve athletic performance and will lead to fame and fortune .
Some young people may use drugs like cocaine to boost their energy levels for training and competition .
Some studies have shown that the long-term consequences of steroid use include an increased risk of developing joint problems , heart disease, and depression .
What can be done to prevent young people from using steroids ?
Parents can discourage their children from using performance-enhancing drugs by talking to them about the dangers of these drugs and by encouraging them to participate in sports and exercise without doping .
Young people who are already taking drugs should seek help from trained counsellors .
They might also need to get treatment for their addiction .
Parents should also talk to their children about the dangers of steroid use and the possible side effects .
Can young people who use steroids still become good athletes ?
One of the main reasons why young people use steroids is to improve their athletic performance .
However , doctors maintain that young people are still able to develop as athletes even if they use steroids .
In addition , young people who use steroid are advised to follow a correct diet and train regularly to maintain their muscle strength .
What can parents do to protect their children ?
Parents can help their children learn more about the dangers of using performance-enhancing drugs by discussing these issues with them from a young age .
Parents should also make sure they know what their children are doing when they are away from home .
