Anabolic Steroids in the Enhancement of Muscle Development Essay

People nowadays have been more conscious of their physical appearance. The will of others to be physically fit, enables them to enroll in different programs or even engage themselves in the administration of drugs that help enhance muscle development. One of these drugs is the Anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are defined as synthetic substances that are similar to the sex hormones in men. These are used as treatment for other conditions, and may also be used to increase the testosterone level in men. In addition to this, the use of such steroids also enhances the muscle mass of its users. Most of these, if not all, require a prescription upon purchase, for these may have effects on the body of the individual, causing irreversible health problems (National Institute of Drug Abuse, March 2007). These drugs are often used by athletes, bodybuilders, and people who are in need of excellent physical performance. Steroids are known to help in the increasing of the strength, aggressiveness, and body mass of its users. In addition to this, the continuous use of this drug increases the muscle size of users, at the same time helps in the improvement of the physical appearance through the reduction of the body fat (Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, 6 March 2006). The Mayo Clinic website defines that steroids may be administered in a number of different ways. Two of the most common routes of administration were oral and parenteral. For oral administration, these come in the form of tablets (Mayo Clinic, 1 January 2008). They may also be administered parenterally, either through the subcutaneous and intramuscular routes (Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, 6 March 2006). Some of the most common oral steroids used include Oxymetholone (Anadrol), Oxandrolone (Oxandrin), Dianabrol (Methandrostenolone), and Winstrol (Stanozolol). Injectable steroids, on the other hand, include Nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin), Nandron phenpropionate (Durabolin), Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone, and Bodlenon undecyclenate (Equipoise) (National Institute on Drug Abuse, April 2000, p2). Steroids help in the increase of muscle development in the body. This occurs when hypogonadal men receive treatments to increase their testosterone levels. The continuous use of anabolic steroids contribute to the increase in muscle mass of the user, most specifically in the mass of the upper part of the body. Furthermore, studies have shown that the administration of these drugs have an effect in the biochemistry and the morphology of the muscles. Biopsies have shown that there was a dramatical increase in the muscle fibers and the average fiber size, especially in the trapezius muscle upon continuous use of the steroid (Kuhn, 2002). The excessive use of anabolic steroids may result in negative effects in the body. Some of its major effects include liver tumors, jaundice, fluid retention, hypertension, trembling, severe acne, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, and stunted height. Some people take these symptoms for granted, associating them with another illness other than steroid use. Aside from these effects, there were also gender specific effects of steroid use (ATOD Prevention Center, n. d. ). Even adolescents, when given excessive doses of steroids are greatly affected. Puberty changes arise, with their skeletal system growing prematurely. Men, being the most users of steroids, are also affected. Their testicles tend to shrink, with their sperm count greatly reduced to that of normal. There is also a great risk of baldness and the possible development of breasts, and worse, the risk of acquiring prostate cancer. Women on the other hand, tend to grow facial hair, and have male-pattern baldness tendencies. Steroid administration also results to the stopping or irregularity of the menstrual cycle, and the tendency to be moon-faced. For others, the drug administration may also result in a deeper speaking voice, accompanied by clitoris enlargement (Narconon Trois-Rivieres, 2 April 2008). Aside from all these effects, steroid abuse may also have psychological effects on the user. Depression, irritability, distractions, forgetfulness, paranoia, aggression, and manic episodes are the most common psychological effects of steroid use (ATOD Prevention Center, n. d. ). The continued use results in the sudden change in an individual’s way of thinking and their urge to hurt other people. The Drugtext website has stated that a test was made on three cases, marking their changes on their steroid use. All three resulted in a higher rate of aggression rates with the use of steroids, as compared to those who do not use the drug (Williamson, 1994). With the given data, it is just but necessary for people to learn how to control the use of these drugs. More lives may be saved, and addictions may be avoided. Let us all contribute to the upheaval of a healthy environment towards a drug-free life. Works Cited â€Å"Anabolic Steroid Abuse. † National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Report Series 4 (2000): 1- 8. â€Å"Drug Rehabilitation Center: Steroids. † 2 April 2008. Narconon Trois-Rivieres. 8 April 2008 . Kuh, Cynthia M. â€Å"Anabolic Steroids. † 2002. Recent Progress in Hormone Research. 8 April 2008 . â€Å"NIDA: InfoFacts: Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic). † January 2, 2008 National Institute On Drug Abuse. Retrieved 7 April 2008 . â€Å"Steroids. † ATOD Prevention Center. 8 April 2008 . â€Å"Steroids. † 6 March 2006. Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Retrieved 7 April 2008 Williamson, Doug. â€Å"The Psychological Effects of Anabolic Steroids. † The International Journal of Drug Policy 5. 1 (1994): 8 April 2006 .