The Dangers Of Steroid Abuse In Sports

Steroid abuse in sports Every four year top athletes meet and compete at the Olympic games and unfortunately, more athletes are being tested positive for doping. The use of synthetic drugs has negatively shaped the way we play sports today. Doping is considered as a form of cheating since specific banned substances are used to enhance the athlete’s performance. The bans of steroids use in sports, enforced by the Olympic committee, restrict the athlete’s misuse and abuse of steroids. Certain cases, have reported that athletes take doses that are 10 to 100 times higher than those used for medical conditions, causing the potential for even greater negative consequences (Zaccardi, 2000, para. 13). Steroids not used for legitimate medical function, by athletes, can cause serious physical, psychological, and social effects. Steroid abuse, common among athletes and bodybuilders are associated with a range of physical effects. Although, athletes may experience increase in muscle mass, strength, and endurance, steroids can also cause abnormal enlargement of the heart muscles, stunted growth in teens, shrinking of the testicles in men and enlargement of the clitoris in women (Dowshen, 2010, p.1). In addition, according to
The use of anabolic steroids is proven to have many side effects which are threatening to the health of the athletes. Anabolic steroid abuse is not only illegal in sports, but using them in any shape or form to enhance performance is considered as a form of cheating. Even though great procedures are taken to minimize the issue, athletes go through great lengths to get around it. Unfortunately, athletes who consume anabolic steroids and believe that steroids will bring them further in their career are, on the other hand, getting closer to reaching their