 NIDA releases bulletin on anabolic
steroidsThe National Institute on Drug Aubse (NIDA) has released new information on anabolic steroids. This information is targeted to educators and communities, to keep them up-to-date on the risks of anabolic steriod abuse, as well as give them science-based approaches to preventing and treating such abuse. Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances related to male sex hormones. They promote growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sex hormones. These steroids are prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as delayed puberty and some types of impotance, and are also used to treat body wasting in patients with AIDS and other diseases. Abuse of anabolic steroids among adolescents has become a concern because of increased use in the 1990s. The 1999 Monitoring The Future study showed a 50% increase in use among 8th and 10th graders since 1991 and 38% increase in 12 graders in that same period. NIDA states that abuse of anabolic steroids is motivated by the desire to build muscles and improve sports performance. Some use these steroids because of misperceptions of their own bodies, like a belief that they look overweight or obese, NIDA also indicated in its Community Drug Alert Bulletin. This bulletin describes how anabolic steroids are taken and the health risks associated with abuse of these drugs. Consequences of abuse include increased risk for heart attacks and strokes; if taken orally, such abuse could lead to liver problems. NIDA suggests presenting a balanced picture of what anabolic steroids can do for them and to them when discussing these drugs with students. “Most adolescents know that anabolic steroids build muscles and can increase athletic prowess. Research has shown that failure to acknowledge these potential benefits creates a credibility problem and can actually make youths more likely to try the drugs,” the NIDA bulletin reported. For a free copy of the NIDA Community Drug Alert Bulletin, contact the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 800-729-6686 or visit the special Web site that NIDA launched for this campaign. |
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