Anabolic steroid abuse is reportedly high in the athletic world. Anabolic steroid abuse is usually the result of a desire to improve one’s appearance. Anabolic steroids work to increase muscle mass, while decreasing fat. Many users of anabolic steroids are unaware of the dangers that lie in using the drugs without the consent of a physician.
In the United States alone, it is estimated that anywhere from 1 million to 3 million people are illegally using anabolic steroids. Although many users of anabolic steroids do not consider their use to be abusive, it is. Many users mistakingly believe that anabolic steroids will improve their athletic performance, and see nothing wrong with using them. Often, the damage is done before they realize it.
Anabolic steroids are abused either orally or by injections. Many users of anabolic steroids often use a method called “cycling” to take multiple doses of anabolic steroids over a period of time. By taking multiple anabolic steroids, they are increasing their chances of experiencing dangerous side effects.
Anabolic steroid abuse can lead to a number of dangerous adverse reactions that may be irreversible. Liver cancer, heart attacks, and strokes are common for chronic anabolic steroid abusers. Other side effects of anabolic steroid abuse are less serious, but may cause problems that are physically unattractive. Men may develop breast as a result of anabolic steroid abuse. Most people who engage in anabolic steroid abuse suffer from acne that may lead to permanent scarring.
Anabolic steroid abuse may cause certain gender-specific affects. Men who abuse anabolic steroids may experience impotence, erectile dysfunction, and shrinkage of the testicles. Women who abuse anabolic steroids may develop a deeper voice, an enlarged clitoris, or male pattern baldness. In some cases, women who abuse anabolic steroids have experienced excessive growth of body hair.
Anabolic steroid abuse may also result in an increased risk of infections. Many users of anabolic steroids who use injections share needles. By doing so, they put themselves at risk for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Infections from anabolic steroid abuse may also cause pain at injection sites that can develop into something more serious.
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