Steroid Use in Athletics is Not Safe

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Steroid Use in Athletics is Not Safe

In the last decade many records have been broken in the world of athletics, is this do to harder training and work ethic or the ignorant testing of anabolic steroids. With technological advances the enhancement of athletes is at the fingertips of scientists. With one shot an athlete could up testosterone levels by over a hundred percent. Is this safe? Or is the real question is this fair to the athletes who years ago did not have this option. Researchers have examined such supplements as dinabol and nandrolene and have found that their structures are unstable maybe unnoticeable at the time but will definitely show up in the later future.

In the past five years the illegal industry has made an estimated hundred million dollars a year. (Getz p.2) The authorities have been trying to crack down on the availability of the drugs but have been unsuccessful. Drug testing though has effectively reduced the incidence of steroid use in some sports. Penalties of violations have also increased tremendously. "Drug testing is only effective as the sanctions that it carries, athletes must understand that it's not worth risking a career by using steroids."(Getz p.2) Not only are these actions being taken at the collegiate and professional level but at the High School level also. It appears that the newfound use of these drugs by professional athletes has acted as an excuse for younger athletes to use them. "We are role models whether we like it or not", says Derek Jeter (shortstop for the New York Yankees).

The testing and disguising of these supplements should be the least worry of the athletes. The side effects are what stick out the most; symptoms such as premature baldness, aggressive beh...

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...ns that explore the effects of steroids, the elements of sports nutrition, and strength training alternatives to steroid use. (Mathias p.2) "The ATLAS program is totally voluntary and high students don't receive any credit, so it better be entertaining". The prevention class gives student athletes the knowledge and skills to resist steroid use and achieve their athletic goals in more effective, healthier ways. (Mathias p.4) It might be too late for the athletes who have already let there guards down to the world of drugs but for those who are coming up in the athletic system are not alone. Steroids are an alternative but not a safe one. Many over the counter drugs are not even safe anymore, the younger athletes have to watch their step and make sure they don't fall into the trap of advertisement. Remember if something sounds to good to be true it usually is!

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