AAS (Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids) Essay AAS, or Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids, is an extremely harmful drug used by many body builders, athletes, and performers. Those who use this type of drug may use it for competition or to have a better looking body. Although they don’t realize how horrible this drug could affect them physically and mentally, people still use and abuse it to create their version of the perfect human body and to compete within top tiers. These drugs should not be used for any type of purposes except for medical. There are many side effects that come with using AAS. There were a few studies that concluded people caused many different issues that affected their appearances, abilities to operate correctly, and their …show more content…
The big deal with AAS is that it doesn’t trigger rapid increases of the chemical dopamine that forces yourself to become addicted to taking many drugs at once. AAS is a slow-working drug that can hurt your mental stability over a longer period of time. Studies show that longer and more frequent uses of AAS results in an increased effect on your mood and behavior. Abuse of AAS can lead to a few of these mental problems, such as: paranoia/jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions (false beliefs or ideas), and impaired judgement. Many people also experience an increased amount of mood swings, especially one case called “roid rage”, a type of mood affecting behavior that may also lead to …show more content…
The big physical issue with taking AAS is that people that use it have an increased risk of getting acne. Even though many people take AAS to help get that body they’ve always dreamed of, they still have that chance of obtaining that frightening physical defect. Another big physical defect that is pretty common with taking AAS is swelling, especially in the hands and feet. AAS isn’t just small physical defects, but it can also cause major, life-risking ones too. Some of these problems consist of: kidney problems or kidney failure, liver damage, an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, changes in blood cholesterol, all of which increase the risk of a heart attack, even at younger ages. There are also many different effects that can occur that are gender specific. Some effects that can occur in men are: Shrinking of the testicles, decreased sperm count, baldness, development of breasts, and an increased risk for prostate cancer. Many women that also take this drug also have the chance of receiving types of physical issues such as: growth of facial hair/excess body hair, male-pattern baldness, changes or stops in the menstrual cycle, enlarged clitoris, and a deepened voice. A lot of physical effects occur to different types of genders, but specific physical deformities can also occur when teens or young adults take AAS too, such as: stunted growth, and stunted height (especially if teens use AAS before their growth spurt). Some of these defects can
Later it was discovered that anabolic steroids could facilitate the growth of skeletal muscle which led to abuse by bodybuilders, weightlifters, and athletes in other sports. Abuse of anabolic steroids can cause acne, breast development in men, heart attacks, and liver cancer. Most side effects are reversible if the abuser stops taking the drugs, but some are permanent, such as voice deepening in females. Possible health consequences for men are infertility, shrinking of the testicles, and male-pattern baldness while with women enlargement of the clitoris, and excessive growth of body hair can happen. It can affect the musculoskeletal & cardiovascular system, liver, skin, cause infection, and have psychiatric effects such as rage, aggression, mania, and delusions. Treatment of anabolic steroid abuse uses medications to restore the hormonal system after its disruption, and medication to target specific withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction to these can happen if taken over a long period of time. Also, irritation of the stomach, liver damage and sleep disturbances as some
With prolonged use of Adderall or amphetamines, there is a higher potential for abuse due to the dopamine in the drug. A user may become dependent on the drug whether it is prescribed or not, which is why it is monitored so closely by the physician. There are some serious adverse effects of prolonged incorrect use of amphetamines which includes sudden death and serious cardio vascular dysfunction (Benson, 2015).
The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting that I attended was held at the Alcoholics Alana Club in Anaheim, California on Thursday. The meeting started at 7:30 in the evening, though many members gathered earlier to smoke and mingle outside. The members were a mix of Caucasian and Hispanic individuals that ranged from early 20s to late 60s. They seemed to be over lower socioeconomic status (SES), and the majority of them had tattoos and piercings. This particular meeting was a speaker meeting, so the meeting began with the leader welcoming everyone and announcing the people visiting from other states, as well as people who shared that this was their first meeting. He then called up a couple people to read certain chapters of the AA book. Another individual then volunteered to be the ‘10 minute speaker’, and briefly shared his story and how the 12 steps helped guide his recovery. The treasurer then passed around a donation basket and handed out sobriety chips, and a 10 minute break followed. After the break the guest speaker shared his story for the next half an
The use of steroids suppresses the naturally occurring testosterone produced by your testes. This happens because your brain is sending messages to your testes saying that you already have plenty of testosterone in your body and to stop producing it. In males, this may lead to a decrease in testicle size, decreased sperm production, fertility issues, baldness, and not only that, the excess steroids can be converted into estrogen in males; which may lead to enlarged breasts. Another serious side effect is that anabolic steroids weaken the heart by causing it to swell up; which prevents the heart from pumping blood out of the heart at the healthy rate. The part of the heart that pumps out blood is called the left ventricle. A healthy left ventricle pumps out around 55% to 70% of the blood that fills the heart. This measurement is known as the ejection fraction. During a study, 10 of 12 steroid users had ejection fractions of less than 55% (taylorhooton.org). With ejection fractions this low, these bodybuilders are at an increased risk for heart failure and sudden cardiac
In 1954 ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) was founded. It is the largest sports medicine and exercise science program in the world. The ACSM was started by people who want to change the lifestyles of others and help make them healthier; they ACSM program has over 50,000 members. Their members put their knowledge and training into helping others gain a healthier life. As students we are provided opportunities through ACSM. Some of the opportunities we are provided are, resources to extend our learning, for example you could contact a professional in the field that you wish to learn more about. ACSM also offers many employment opportunities as well as being able to attend or present your information at a Conference. Not only do ACSM offer those opportunities but they offer scholarships as well. One of the initiatives ACSM has is called, Everybody Walk, it is a
They’re among the world’s most controversial drugs. Not Heroin, Ganja, Coke or Crystal Meth, but Anabolic Steroids. Steroids are medical treatments that come in two varieties: Anabolic Steroids and Corticosteroids. These are both synthetic versions of hormones produced naturally in the body but they perform two completely different tasks. Corticosteroids are used by doctors to decrease inflammation. Anabolic Steroids are the familiar term for the synthetic version of the male sex hormone testosterone. Its technical name although, is Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS). “Anabolic referring to muscle-building and Androgenic referred to increased male sexual characteristics,” defined by the National
AA meetings are something I am all to familiar with. My dad has a drinking problem and all my life it’s been something thats affected not only himself but our family. Nine months ago I would have never thought I would ever be sitting in a one of these meetings because I knew I would never allow alcohol to take my life in the direction it took my fathers. When my dad hit rock bottom I was able to get him the help he has needed the majority of his life, he finally checked himself into rehab. This was huge, this was the first step in the right direction and I would do my best to be there for him every step of the way. He had to attend meetings throughout the week and I did my best to attend all the ones I could. Before the first meeting I attended I was a little nervous even knowing I was not going to have to say or do anything. I thought they’d
Steroids come with three different types of risks/side effects that include: mental health, addictive potential and physical dangers. Steroids have immediate effects on the brain of a user as soon as they begin taking them. As soon as steroids are introduced into the user’s system, they “[bind to the] androgen (male sex hormone) and estrogen (female sex hormone) receptors on the surface of a cell.” Studies have suggested that “steroids may contribute to psychiatric dysfunction, paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility” (“NIDA InfoFacts: Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic)”, 2009). These mental side effects also contribute to the growing narcissistic nature of steroid users, where they feel invincible, that no one is better than them, or
memory loss, brain damage, breathing problems, reduced blood flow to the brain as well as a
Steroids (anabolic) are a drug that was discovered and made by medical scientists in the last 1930’s to help with medical problems. The drug was made to help with many medical problems such as testosterone, growth, sexual functioning, and other medical problems such as helping people with HIV to help grow musical. It also helps with many other diseases. Like any other drug on the market people learn that the drug can be used for many other ways. Steroids can enhance athlete’s performance as well as bodybuilders and is used in almost every sport out there. The use of steroids has become a widespread problem. Steroid use has caused many help problems with the misuse of the drug and has caused the drug to be illegal for people to use them in
In today’s society in athletics, muscle mass and strength seem more important than in years past. It is believed that many athletes use anabolic steroids to increase their muscle mass and also their strength. Anabolic steroids are a group of synthetic hormones that promote the storage of proteins and the growth of tissue, sometimes used by athletes to increase muscle size and strength. Before the mid 1970’s the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) was used mainly by highly trained athletes especially those involved in weight training. Since then other athletes including those involved in recreational sports and non-competitive sports have started using the steroids. Steroids are also being used by many school age children
They also brought unknown diseases, alcohol and increasing conflict to the island agglomeration. As a consequence, the Melanesian population sharply dropped in number, leading the French settlers to believe that it would eventually be possible to get rid of the ‘Canaques’ altogether, so they could take possession of the rest of the land, which echoed a type of reasoning followed by other Western colonisers, such as Great Britain. French administrative inventions such as the concepts of ‘la tribu’ ( the tribe) and ‘les réserves’ (reserves) were meant to control the Kanak population while patiently awaiting its imminent demise. These measures went against the traditional Kanak groupings, commonly referred to as clans, which were held together
In the past three decades, steroids has been becoming a serious problem more than ever in the athletic field. Steroids are anabolic drug "to build" growth hormones that include the androgens (male sex hormones) principally testosterone and estrogen and progestogens (female sex hormones). Steroids were first developed for medical purposes. They're used in controlling inflammation, strengthening weakened hearts, preventing conception, and alleviating symptoms of arthritis and asthma. Unfortunately research has shown that steroids have been abused in almost every kind of sport. Although steroids contribute to a muscular body, usage should remain illegal because they physically deteriorate and mentally destroy the body.
According to Brower, withdrawal symptoms might be developed in the individuals who stop taking anabolic steroids after they have taken excessive amount of anabolic steroids over sustained period. The symptoms included mood swings, insomnia, depressed mood, reduced libido, anorexia, weight loss, and even suicidal thoughts. Despite of these behavioral changes, others common adverse effects of anabolic steroids are liver failure, endocrine dysfunction, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, and difficulties in blood clotting. For men, they may experience gynecomastia (breast development and enlargement), reduced fertility, shrunken testes, decreasing in sperm amount, decreased production of testosterone, development of prostate cancer due to the enlargement of the gland, and baldness, and masculinization in women and children. In women, excessive anabolic steroids will lead to breast reduction, swollen clitoris, masculinization, deepen voice, growth of body and facial hair, menstrual disruption and also increased risk of birth defects.