Anabolic Steroids and the teenage athlete

As the Olympics draw nearer, the age old problem of athletes and drug abuse rears its ugly head. It is hard to explain to teenagers the problems associated with drugs and sport, when they see apparently healthy adults, winning, but being caught and then banned. The teens' attitude can be; "Looks like it is fine as long as you do not get caught!" Unfortunately, some unscrupulous sports coaches encourage that attitude, telling their athletes how to avoid being caught out by drug tests, even saying that as other nations cheat, so we need to level the playing field by also cheating!

As parents it is hard enough setting a good example without sports role models undermining your efforts. Your first step is to be knowledgeable about the possible drugs being used. It helps if you are involved in your teens sports participation; the more you know about their sport, and their relative prowess at this sport, the more likely you will be to notice if there are any changes, or causes for suspicion.

Anabolic Steroids - used to build muscle and bone mass. Signs of steroid abuse

• Weight gain, muscle increase - faster than you would expect in puberty


• Severe acne


• Hair loss and premature balding - the teen may suddenly adopt an army crew cut to disguise this


• Mood swings, increased aggression (known as "roid rage")


• Increase in injuries, especially to tendons


• Yellowish tinge to skin - liver function is being compromised


• Needle marks, no teen should be injecting anything you have not agreed with your medical practitioner, and no sports coach should be sanctioning medical treatment without your approval

Street names for steroids

• Arnolds


• Gym Candy


• Juice


• Pumpers


• Stackers

Dangers of steroids

• Hostility, aggression, acne


• Boys - infertility, shrunken testicles, growth of breasts, impotency, risk of prostate cancer


• Girls - excessive hair, deep voice, breast shrinkage, loss of periods


• High blood pressure and increased risk of blood clotting


• Increases in bad, and decreases in good cholesterol


• Jaundice, liver cysts, liver and kidney cancer and ultimately failure


• Inability to control temper leading to violent episodes

If, for any reason you suspect drug taking in your teens sports club, you should voice your suspicions to the people in charge, not the coaches as they may be involved. Sadly, there are parents who are aware, ignore, or even actively encourage sports related drug taking, all in the name of winning. Take the time to discuss your teens' aspirations in sports, and explain how cheating only leads to false success.