Steroids

Steroids are overlooked as being a harsh illegal drug. The use of steroids can be harmful to the mind and body. America's war on drugs focuses on harmful drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines. A drug that the justice system has overlooked is steroids. Steroids in most cases do little harm, but in others it can have a lasting impact. For years steroids were legal and used openly, but over the past two decades steroids have become a serious criminal issue. The Steroid Control Act of 1990 officially made the distribution and possession of steroids a felony.

In the 1980's steroids became known to the American public and world as being both a performance enhancer and a killer. Ben Johnson was an Olympic athlete who won gold in 1988, but unfortunately he tested positive for steroids. In the sports world athletes who take performance enhancing drugs (steroids) were deemed as cheaters. The fight against steroids ultimately began with the death of NFL football star Lyle Alzado. Alzado knowingly took steroids and it ultimately lead to his death. Doctors fought against the justice system explaining that steroids did not cause Alzado's death. Before his death Alzado stated that steroids would be the death of him and Congress ran with his testimony.

Steroid use was common in Major League Baseball through the 80's and 90's. Major League Baseball is sports organization who has some of the toughest policies on steroid use. Baseball has a three strikes and your out policy which has been an effective preventative method. Steroids are an illegal substance, but players found guilty of taking steroids do not receive any criminal charges. Major League Baseball looks at the effect of steroids on performance, however they overlook the psychological effects steroids may have.

Steroids make us look good and perform better, but like other drugs it is hard to stop. We have seen a rise in steroid use among high school athletes. These kids look up to sports icons and will do anything it takes to get on that level. The focus on steroid use among high school students is the psychological effect the drug has. Steroids may cause depression and similar symptoms which can lead to suicide. Alan Rogol is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Virginia. He did a report on youth steroid use which showed staggering results. According to his study one in sixteen high school students admitted to using some sort of performance enhancing drug. (Rogol) That is an crazy number considering there are millions of high school student athletes.

More people need to be educated on the lasting impacts of steroids. Health risks are not the only negative effects, but steroids is a felony offense. Steroids may not be as serious as cocaine and other drugs, but we should not look at steroids like that. We should accept steroids as being just as serious as any other illegal drug.