Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 75 STEROIDS (continued) Why Steroids Are Dangerous to Teens As a parent, you have the challenge of explaining to your teen why the use of steroids is a serious issue. 1. While they are sometimes prescribed to treat medical conditions like cancer, there are significant health risks in using them outside a health professional’s care. Typically, in those situations, the benefits of steroid use under a physician’s supervision outweigh the risks, and they can improve the patient’s quality of life. 2. Both men’s and women’s bodies produce a certain level of testosterone. When teens take steroids, they are adding more testosterone to their growing bodies, which throws off their hormonal balance. 3. Since steroids are often taken by injection, there is also increased risk of HIV and/or hepatitis infection from an unsterile needle or syringe. There are many reasons teens think they should take steroids. Here are a few natural opportunities to talk to your child about all the reasons they should stay far away from steroids: • When your teen gets more involved with competitive sports. • If you find your teen is growing more preoccupied with body image, such as wanting to gain more muscle or appear leaner. • If you notice your child’s friends are hitting their growth spurts and “filling out.” Make sure your teen understands that the effects of steroid use may include: sterility; damage to the cardiovascular system and liver; increased risk of injury; and disease, such as increased levels of cholesterol, causing a thickening of arterial walls that could ultimately be life-threatening. Signs & symptoms If you have reason to believe your teen is using steroids, look out for these specific signs and symptoms: • Noticeable weight gain, particularly more muscle • Hair loss and premature balding • Severe acne • Mood swings, from depression to aggressiveness • Increased injuries, specifically to tendons • Yellow tinge to the skin (indicates abnormal liver function) • Needle marks in large muscle groups • Needles or syringes in your teen’s belongings If you notice any of this, it’s important to talk with your teen right away and discuss the serious health risks with him. It’s also important that you speak with a family physician. Some health effects are reversible, like acne and mood swings, while others (such as baldness and stunted growth) are not. A doctor should also supervise and help your teen stop taking steroids safely. Where Do Teens Get Steroids? Since anabolic steroids are available only by prescription, and because they are regulated like narcotics, young people using anabolic steroids often obtain the drugs illegally. Some of the ways they can get steroids can include purchasing steroids manufactured in an illegal drug laboratory, smuggling from other countries, purchasing through Internet sales, or stealing from pharmacies. Forms of anabolic steroids containing androstenedione or “andro” can be purchased legally without a prescription through many commercial sources, including health food stores. An anabolic steroid precursor is a steroid that the body converts into an anabolic steroid. There is evidence that they may increase the risk of serious, long-term health problems. How Are Steroids Used? Anabolic steroids can be taken in the following ways: • Injection directly into the bloodstream • Swallowed as tablets or capsules • Ointments or patches (through the skin) • Preparations that are placed between the cheek and gum of mouth continued
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