2. History
Steroids go back to the 1930’s. Before they were even called
steroids. In the 1930's, a team of scientists were able to create a
synthetic form of testosterone to help treat men who were unable to
produce enough of the hormone for normal growth, development,
and sexual functioning. Turns out, this form of testosterone could
help the males gain weight and improve performance. After this,
people started taking advantage of the drug by using it for
competitions.
3. Ways to Take Steroids
Anabolic steroids can be taken:
● Orally
● Injected into the muscle
● In some cases, it can be a cream or gel.
4. Street Names
Some street names of steroids include:
• Roids
• Juice
• Hype
• Gym candy
• Arnolds
• Stackers or pumpers
Steroids are classified into Segment 3.
5. Chemicals
Anabolic steroids work with the cytoplasmic androgen receptor.They
thrive for the nucleus. The complex is translocated into the nucleus
and binds to DNA. Once in the nucleus, the steroid appears to
enhance transcription of specific genes. The resulting mRNA is
processed and sent out of the nucleus, resulting in increased protein
synthesis.
6. Physical Effects
Some physical effects of steroid use include:
o liver damage.
o kidney damage.
o increased blood pressure and cholesterol (risk for heart disease)
o depressed immune system (risk for infections)
o headache and stomach ache.
o nosebleeds.
o severe facial and body acne.
7. Mental/Emotional Effects
Some mental/emotional effects of steroids include:
● Impulses increase
● Development of mania
● Depression
● Nervousness
● Extreme irritability
● Delusions
● Hostility and aggression
8. Social Effects
When you take steroids, you become irritable. Which makes people
not want to be around you.
9. Legal Consequences
The possession or sale of anabolic steroids without a valid
prescription is illegal. Simple possession of illicitly obtained anabolic
steroids carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a
minimum $1,000 fine if this is an individual’s first drug offense. The
maximum penalty for trafficking is five years in prison and a fine of
$250,000 if this is the individual’s first felony drug offense.
10. Short & Long Term Effects
The long-term effects of steroids include problems like an increase in cholesterol levels
and elevated blood pressure. Both of these could lead to heart issues and could
potentially lead to strokes or heart attacks. For men, steroid abuse may lead to the
shrinking of the testicles or the growth of breast tissue. This is because it converts into
estradiol in the body. It can also lead to infertility in men. Women may have long-term
issues as well; these include increased amounts of body hair and problems with the
menstrual cycle. A woman’s voice may also deepen a lot, which can be permanent.
Short-term effects of steroid use include some problems such as acne, mood swings, and
balding. The drugs may help with an increase in muscle mass and lean muscle gain over
a short period of time.
11. Effects of Nervous System
Some effects on the nervous system that take effect after steroid use include, mood
disorders that meet the criteria of psychiatric disease categories such as depression,
anxiety, psychotic reactions and cognitive deterioration.
Also, the effects on the neurotransmitter in the brain are long lasting.
12. Effects of Cardiovascular
Steroid use has been linked to heart diseases such as heart attacks
and strokes. It also can lead to CVD, LDL, and HDL. Steroids also
increase the risk that blood clots will form in blood vessels,
potentially disrupting blood flow and damaging the heart muscle.
13. Effects of Digestive
People who use steroids can experience frequent nausea that leads
to vomiting. Liver damage can also occur, leading to pain and other
symptoms associated with liver damage. One of these symptoms is
jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
14. Effects of Respiratory System
Taking steroids reduces inflammation. This can also cause coughing.
15. Medical Uses
Steroids are used to treat a variety of conditions in which the body's
defense system malfunctions and causes tissue damage. Steroids are
used as the main treatment for certain inflammatory conditions. The
good thing about medical steroids is that it saves lives.
16. Mixing
Mixing steroids with painkillers can cause:
● Increased heart rate
● Further chronic pain
● Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
● Mood swings and chronic depression
● Erratic and violent behavior
● Headache
● Stroke
Also it can lead to severe health conditions.
17. Effect on Family & Society
The effects that steroids can have on family and society include; bad
relationships with family members due to you abusing drugs. And if
you use steroids, it’s pretty obvious and society will notice that and
know that you abuse steroids.
