Steroids Steroids are any of a large class of organic compounds with a characteristic molecular structure containing four rings of carbon atoms (three six-membered and one five). They include many hormones, alkaloids, and vitamins. These drugs are for the most part, used within a broad context of operant drug taking that includes the use of ergogenic, thermogenesis, anorexigents, and ancillary drugs in which that are harmful to one’s body. Most centrally, anabolic compounds promote better utilization of dietary protein and shift the body’s “nitrogen balance” by increasing retention of nitrogen, an element essential to protein synthesis and thus to muscle growth. Steroids are a family of hormones related to testosterone that have a number of beneficial medical indications. They are also used for the purpose of building up muscles and cellular tissue (Quezzaire & Sprague, 2015, p. 1). Many athletes, models and others who depend on their bodies for their livelihoods have abused anabolic steroids, as these drugs can alter one’s physical appearance as well as enhance athletic performance. The use of steroids for these purposes is illegal as well as dangerous: studies have shown that anabolic steroid use can lead to serious …show more content…
Stimulants often used by AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids) users such as clenbuterol and ephedrine are thought to have similar effects on the CNS as amphetamines; thus, they have direct effects on the sympathetic nervous system and norepinephrine metabolism in the brain (Kosh, 2002). The resulting medical impact of performance enhancing drugs on the central nervous system includes a range of behavioral and psychiatric disturbances as well as milder symptoms related to autonomic arousal (Langenbucher, Hildebrandt, & Carr, 2008, p.