Anabolic Steroids: A Literature Review

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Anabolic steroid use has evolved into a public health concern. Since the 1970s anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse is on the rise in athletes, in recreational sports, bodybuilding and sadly, for unrealistic cosmetic enhancements. According the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (YRBC) reveals an increase in lifetime steroid use in youth and young adults in the United States, particularly in males between the ages of 19 to 40. Information sources were chosen based on anabolic androgenic steroid identifiers to include use, abuse, long-term effects and impact on society. This report will look at the history of steroid use, what is anabolic steroid abuse, prevalence, risk factors including harmful side effects, withdrawal which may be accompanied by depression and suicidal ideation, laws and penalties, and finally, legislative and educational intervention and prevention measures.

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While studies reveal that AAS use has decreased since 2003, the figures indicating use by youth and young adults continues to be staggering (CDC. YRBS, 2013). A powerful influence that could be useful to influence AAS users would be more rigid disqualification times for athletes who use AAS in sports. The illegal use of AAS warrants more interest from health professionals in recognizing the many side effects associated with AAS abuse. Some studies have found that long term AAS use may produce neuropsychiatric side-effects as well as adverse medical effects. Preventive measures must include increased healthcare awareness, informative and educational interventions, as well as review of current legislation and laws pertaining to illegal steroid possession and misuse (The Lancet,

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