We have all seen teens who seemed to sprout up over the summer, becoming men and women right before our eyes!  But for some of those kids, their newfound muscles may have gotten that way through the use of steroids.   "Roids" or "juice" can be swallowed in the form of a pill or injected directly into muscles, and while many teens stay away from steroids, it is not uncommon to hear about students using them to get an edge on the upcoming sports season1.
 
Know the risks.  Abusing steroids can cause significant harm, including:

• prematurely stunted growth,
• jaundice,
• fluid retention,
• high blood pressure,
• aggressive behavior,
• mood swings,
• depression,
• infertility,
• increases in LDL (bad cholesterol),
• decreases in HDL (good cholesterol),
• severe acne,
• trembling,
• liver and kidney damage.

Fitness isn't the only reason steroid use has risen in popularity lately.  The steroid GHB, which most people know as the "date rape" drug, is growing in use as a method to get high.  The effects of a capful of this odorless, tasteless, colorless drug is akin to drinking five beers in five minutes with a little PCP on the top.  Trinka Porrata notes that "GHB addiction is the single toughest - most prolonged and most dangerous - of all drug withdrawals"2.   Not only is the drug addictive, but its central ingredient is so toxic to the body that significant damage can occur to the organs and the central nervous system with just one use. 

Talk to your teen about steroid use and the risks.  Help them to focus on better ways to achieve fitness and health free from not only steroids, but also from illicit drugs and alcohol.  Discuss how strength training and proper nutrition can help them build their bodies through healthy methods.  You have the power to make an impact in your teens life by educating them about the choices they make and giving them the tools they need to handle the challenges they face.