Steroid Use and Teen Athletes

by SAMHSA

Steroid use disqualifies many professional and Olympic athletes, but it is quietly attracting teens who want to boost their strength, speed, or stamina. Parents and coaches often are not aware of the lure and availability of supplements for high school - and even middle school - students.

Teens who have dreams of athletic stardom may be tempted to use supplements known as "prohormones" or "steroid precursors" to burn fat or to build muscle. They may admire sports figures who have used steroid precursors - such as Mark McGwire, who confessed to using the prohormone androstenedione ("andro") during his record-breaking homerun season in 1998. Other teens may see pumped-up wrestlers or bodybuilders on TV and want to reshape their own bodies to look like these icons.

But should kids use these diet supplements to beef up or slim down? Are these substances safe or legal? The answer to both questions is no.

Steroids and Steroid Precursors

Congress banned anabolic steroids - compounds that mimic the action of the male sex hormone testosterone - under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 due to their harmful side effects. In 2004, the law was updated to include a list of banned anabolic steroids called prohormones, prosteroids, or steroid precursors.

Like the anabolic steroids they mimic, steroid precursors have harmful side effects. Children and teens are particularly at risk because their bodies are still growing. Steroid precursors can cause:

• Acne.
• Stunted growth.
• Migraines.
• Blood clots.
• Male pattern baldness, facial hair, and other male traits in girls.
• Enlarged breasts and other female traits in boys.
• Shrunken testicles.
• Impotence.
• Liver disease.

Should You Be Concerned?

Many steroid precursors have been declared controlled substances with the passage of the 2004 Anabolic Steroids Control Act. Some young people may not know about this new law and may try to get steroid precursors through illegal means, such as ordering them from Web sites. They also may not know that steroid precursors can be as harmful as steroids - until the passage of the 2004 law, steroid precursors could be bought at any gym or grocery store. Steroid precursors also have been sold under names that often sound like video games and may seem fun and harmless to teens.

In addition, DHEA, a type of steroid precursor, was not banned in the updated 2004 law. This supplement currently is available for legal purchase.

What To Do

To help keep your teen athlete on the right track, you can:

Talk with your child about the risks of using steroid precursors. Discuss with your teen any pressure he may be feeling to perform well in his sport or any body image issues he may have (e.g., a desire to pack on muscle). Talk about healthy ways to deal with these issues.

Set rules about the use of illegal drugs, and establish consequences for steroid use (e.g., being removed from the team).

Get involved in your teen's sports. Attend games and practices, and praise your child for good sportsmanship and fair play. Encourage her to feel good about her sports performance to help her avoid temptation to use steroids.

Monitor your child's activities to make sure he is not using harmful supplements to build muscle or lose weight.

Be a good role model by achieving your fitness goals in healthy ways.

Like steroids, prohormones or steroid precursors can be harmful. As with any other substance that alters the body's natural chemistry, be aware, be alert, and stay informed. Remind your teen that exercising, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep are the best ways for young athletes to stay fit, strong, and healthy.

About the Author

www.samhsa.gov
SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Includes links to support groups, information resources, events and articles.