Why Do Athletes Use Steroids?

What is the purpose of using steroids? “Steroids are for guys who want to cheat opponents.” (Lawrence Taylor.) Steroids are a family of hormones related to testosterone that have a number of beneficial medical indications. They are also used for the purpose of building up muscles and cellular tissue. But overtime, athletes began abusing the prescribed dosages and ignoring the health risks of prolonged steroid use. It establishes unrealistic achievement levels. Lastly, it is a violation of sportsmanship. Therefore, the use of steroids should be banned not just in the United States, but all around the world. First, overtime athletes began abusing the prescribed dosages and ignoring the health risks of prolonged steroid use. “Clinical …show more content…
“Despite the historic precedent of performance-enhancing drugs, the social reality is that the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs amounts to nothing more than cheating.” (Chittom, L. & Griswold A. 2016). Athletes who do or have taken steroids will most likely end up in a lot of trouble and lose all of their awards or money that they achieved for cheating the game. Sports organizations have been cracking down on steroids and have banned them. Many high schools, colleges and professional organizations have a drug test once or even twice a year for drugs especially steroids. The point is that you should play the game smart and the right way by not using steroids at …show more content…
Steroids do not just cause muscle mass and cellular tissue, it is used to help reduce pain, swelling, itching and burning. There are two types of steroids, which are corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids. “ Corticosteroids, the active ingredient in cortisone cream, can reduce swelling, stop itching and burning, or relieve pain in muscles and joints.” (Whittaker, A. & Carson-Dewitt R. 2016). But another reason why is to keep athletes at the top of their game. Sports fans love watching their sports teams win games and if someone gets hurt it’s very devastating to their fans. The benefits of legalizing steroids are manifold. “Continuing to prohibit them will only increase their abuse and punish not only those trying to benefit from them, but also youth and schools nationwide, while wasting the time and resources of the federal government, and besmirching the reputation of American sports.” (Whittaker, A. & Carson-Dewitt R. 2016). However, legalizing steroids would only make athletes even more unhealthy. Steroids feel good for a little while, but the side effects will just make users feel even worse. It can lead to depression and possibly even committing suicide. “Governments in developed countries are particularly concerned about the abuse of steroids among teenage athletes, many of whom experience crippling emotional problems and significantly

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