Steroids and Teenagers

In our performance - obsessed culture, the use of performance enhancing drugs like Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (steroids) is all too common, among adults as well as teenagers. Teenagers most often get mixed up with steroids after reading about them on the Internet or taking advice from a "trainer" who foists these illegal and dangerous drugs on naive gym-goers. (No legitimate athletic trainer would recommend anything of the sort.) Many teenagers use steroids for bulking up and looking good for girls, rather than  for pure athletic performance. And teenagers often believe that if the dose they read about on the Internet is good, then double, or triple, that dose must be even better. If you see your teenager rapidly gaining weight or muscle, showing newfound aggression, or receiving packaged substances in the mail, you should take action by confronting him! The profoundly damaging effects of long-term steroid use on the adolescent body make it an absolute necessity for your teenager to avoid steroid use. However, DO NOT let your teenager stop these substances without guidance from a physician who can help - withdrawal can provoke or worsen suicidal thoughts. Bottom line, if you suspect your teenager is using steroids, get professional guidance immediately.