Steroid abuse
generally happens when people start using steroids for reasons other
than medical treatments. The reasons for steroid abuse include using
steroids to improve appearance or enhance performance by athletes and
bodybuilders.
Studies even suggest that steroid abuse is
high among adolescents, starting as young as eighth grade. Adolescents
who participate in steroid abuse often use them to help them in their
sports activities. Furthermore, steroid abuse is more prevalent in
adolescents who participate in other risky behaviors such as drinking
and driving and using other drugs. While estimates also show that many
adults are also guilty of steroid abuse, it's not clear the percentages
of adults who actually use them.
Other studies show that steroid abuse is
more prevalent among males than females (of any age) but that more and
more females are beginning to use steroids, even to the point of
steroid abuse. To isolate the specific sports that show the most
prevalent use of steroids and steroid abuse, bodybuilders are most
likely to participate in steroid abuse. In fact, the rate of steroid
abuse among bodybuilders is thought to be quite high. Steroid abuse in
other sports is there, but the prevalence varies greatly based on the
sport and the individual.
Because people like the physical results
they see when they use steroids, it can easily turn into steroid abuse.
Often people begin to overlook the possible side effects of steroids
and move from steroid use to steroid abuse.
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