Due to the abuse of anabolic steroids in the professional sports world, anabolic steroids are illegal within the United States. The Controlled Substances Act lists anabolic steroids as a controlled substance. The punishment for abusing illegal anabolic steroids is up to one year in prison for the first year, and up to ten years for subsequent offenses involving anabolic steroids.
Although the use of anabolic steroids for the purpose of abusing them is illegal, doctors are able to prescribe anabolic steroids for children who have growth hormone deficiencies. Anabolic steroids are also prescribed for bone marrow stimulation, induction of male puberty, and to stimulate appetite.
Anabolic steroids decreases the amount of body fat, and increases your muscle mass. Abusive anabolic steroid use involves the administration of doses that are up to 100 times higher than the recommended dose. Illegal anabolic steroid use can result in side effects that are not only dangerous, but a number of side effects leave permanent damage.
Abusers of anabolic steroids are an increased risk of experiencing heart disease leading to heart attacks and strokes. Anabolic steroids can also lead to sexual dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction, impotence, and shrinkage of the testicles are common among men who illegally use anabolic steroids.
Women who abuse anabolic steroids may experience an abnormal growth of their breasts. Most women who experience this growth must undergo plastic surgery to have their breasts removed. Women can also experience changes in their menstrual cycle, hair loss, and a deepened voice.
In recent years, the illegal use of anabolic steroids has shed light on a side effect known as “roid rage.” Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to extreme mood swings that can lead to violence. At other times, anabolic steroid users report feeling extremely happy. The use of anabolic steroids can also cause feelings of depression, irritability, and anxiety. There has been an increase in suicides among anabolic steroid users as a result of using the drug.
Anabolic steroids can be used orally or directly injected with a hypodermic needle directly into the muscles. Illegal use of anabolic steroids is growing among teenagers and young adults. Pills are the preferred method for these age groups.
The illegal use of anabolic steroids can be fatal. Anabolic steroids, when not properly administered, can lead to a condition that causes fat deposits within the arteries to interrupt the flow of blood to the heart. Unfortunately, this can lead to a heart attack.