Steroid Use in Sports

656 Words2 Pages

"Although there are many types of steroids with varying degrees of anabolic and androgenic properties, it's the anabolic property of steroids that lures athletes," says Dr. Wadler. "They take them to primarily increase muscle mass and strength"(Steroids in Sports). Now in these changing times, many are about being the best overall elite athlete. To be the best, is there a price to pay? Steroid use in sports can have undesired side effects, there are safer alternatives, and disrupt the normal development processes. Education, in its current form, isn´t changing the attitudes of high school players and at the elite level of high school and college, the players are getting significantly bigger through supplementation. Most players aren’t being properly educated on the subject of steroid use; so they can’t decide for themselves if steroids are truly worth it. Current studies show the pros and cons of taking steroids. Dr. Kayser states, “Furthermore, legalization of doping, we believe, would encourage more sensible, informed use of drugs in amateur sports, leading to an overall decline in the rate of health problems associated with doping. Finally, by allowing medically supervised doping, the drugs used could be assessed for a clearer view of what is dangerous and what is not” (Legalizing). The health concern he linked with anabolic steroids are: reduced sperm count, development of breasts, liver damage, and adolescents’ growth plates can be closed prematurely, and many other risks are involved. Will the legalization of doping interfere with the rules of the game? Things we must consider are: respect for the rules of sports, recognition that natural talents and their perfection are the point of sports, and the prospect of an 'arms rac... ... middle of paper ... ...usceptible to injury from the steroid use, but studies show they are often the common users and abusers. High school and professional athletes will only keep improving their game. Allowing steroids into the weight rooms, on practice fields, and in the leagues will only bring harm to athletes. Undesired effects, safer alternatives, and disruption of the normal development processes are all reasons why steroid use in sports is currently banned. Ultimately it is up to the person who is taking the steroids to decide if it’s right for them. Works Cited “Anabolic Steroids”, 6 September 2012. Web. 27 March 2014. “Legalizing Performance Enhancing Drugs.” Sports and Drugs, N.p., 01 December 2005. Web. 27 March 2014. “Steroids.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. 6th. 2013. Print. 28 March 2014. “Steroids in Sports.” Steroids. N.p., 11 May 2013. Web. 27 March 2014.

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