Column: Steroids become deadlier, By: Dr. Anthony Alessi

July 4, 2007 

Steroids are a broad category of hormones that occur naturally in the human body. Millions of people now lead longer, more productive lives thanks to the proper use of prescribed steroid medications like prednisone, solumedrol and dexamethasone.

The main categories of steroids are corticosteroids, estrogens and progestogens and androgens.

Androgens are commonly referred to as "anabolic steroids" because they promote muscle growth. They are prescribed for people who suffer from muscle wasting as a result of cancer, muscle diseases or AIDS. It is this ability to promote muscle growth that has led to widespread abuse by athletes. Unbelievably, some will use 100 times the recommended dose in an attempt to improve performance.

Anabolic steroids can be administered by mouth, injection, pellet implantation or as skin gels. Without any regulation, some steroid precursors are sold as dietary supplements in health food stores and over the Internet.

Commonly abused anabolic steroids are Anadrol, Oxandrin, Dianabol, and Durabolin. Equipoise, an injectable form abused by athletes, is actually produced for veterinary use.

Patterns of anabolic steroid abuse are designed for maximum effect while avoiding detection and include:

Cycling: Alternating periods of abuse with periods of no use or lower doses.

Stacking: Concurrent use of two or more steroids together.

Pyramiding: Progressive increase in doses followed by gradual reduction.

High blood pressure, acne, baldness, fluid retention, liver damage, testicular atrophy and sterility are common physical side effects.

Mental effects

Anabolic steroid abuse may also result in severe psychological disturbances. Impaired judgment, depression, nervousness, irritability, delusions and hostility become apparent. 'Roid rage has become a catchphrase associated with mood swings having manic-like symptoms that lead to violence.

Instilling values such as honesty and responsibility in young people is the purpose of sports. 'Roid rage renders these athletes a threat to their competitors and society. Recent events have shown athletes who choose to abuse steroids are making a potentially fatal decision.

Steroid abuse is solely the responsibility of athletes who have made a decision to put their health and their lives in jeopardy.