The use of steroids in sports is rumored to be widespread in all levels. While athletes in professional sports bodies periodically test and disseminating results, steroid abuse is increasing in children as well. Because anabolic steroids are illegal, the use of this level falls below radar. The effect of steroids in sports can be deeper than we think.
Steroids, particularly testosterone, as a means to improve performance are not new to the sport. As has been documented as early as 776 BC, the attempts by athletes to improve their performance with testosterone. Competitive athletes, not for honor but for the prestige and money – like the athletes of today.
Anabolic steroids are believed to improve performance, build muscle faster, and speed recovery from over-exertion. Because they are prohibited, few studies on the long-term effects of steroid abuse have been made. Known side effects of steroids, however, include:
– For men: prominent breasts, baldness, shrunken testicles and infertility
– For women: deeper voice, increased body hair and baldness
– For both: acne, liver disorders, aggression, depression and cardiovascular problems
Taking anabolic steroids is a bit like playing Russian roulette – you do not know what the outcome is going to end until it is too late.
Why then no one take the risk? The pressure to compete and win in sport started early. No parents in the stands at Little League encouraging their children to lose! This increases the pressure in high school, where a fine performance can be a stepping stone to college and beyond that to the professional ranks. Parents put pressure on their children to stand precisely for these reasons, as well as coaches and school teachers that lead to steroid abuse. Peer pressure comes in terms of appearance in mix well. Whether it be sports stars or rappers, successful people, rich, cool to show off a muscular physique that young people crave. When it comes to muscles, the bigger the better. And the opinion of the majority of adolescent boys is that muscles that girls running too.
Once the athletes reach the professional level, the pressure is miniscule compared to what you will experience now. They respond millions of fans willing to broadcast out of favor for the slightest error in the sports field. Internet means that the press trips, and exposes athletes to the disgruntled fans through the media. Individual sponsors pressuring the players and teams as well. They do not want their brand name on the jersey of loser. Sponsorship is vital for a team or individual, allowing them to practice with the best equipment, travel, since they need to, and earn money doing it. Sponsorship outside the sport can be very lucrative for athletes, but no one pays the loser to drink their brand of soda. Even the level of wages in professional sport can contribute to the pressure to perform. As ridiculous as it may seem to most of us, the bigger the employees who live within the limits of their credit cards also – You may be able to pay it faster than us, but they are spending their income as fast as us. Not only is needed to maintain that level of income constant, it is also necessary to keep up appearances, and see how the success of stars that are, therefore, steroid abuse.
The pressure to excel is immense, and when natural methods are no longer working, athletes turn to steroids to keep on top of his game. Steroid abuse affects all other participants in professional sports. Excellent performance is no longer celebrated, questioned and immediately falls under suspicion. Athletes who consistently outperform their competitors are no longer praised for their skill, talent or performance. The glory of winning is being tarnished by the actions of some athletes.
The very nature of the sports game sportsmanship and fair, and steroids in sports to destroy the very concept of justice. Athletes using steroids affect athletes who play either on the same computer or not. It is, in effect, cheating, giving users an unfair – and illegal – advantage over competitors that are a function of hard work and dedication to succeed. If detected, most likely be suspended from playing the sport, if not banned outright. That affects the team played in. She also has a great impact on their families, as they are now effectively unemployed – and unemployable in any capacity related to sport.
It is "easier" to take steroids and achieve the highest level of their sport in the 6 months to train naturally and possibly never reach the top. Taking steroids can be a symptom of the disease society of "convenience" suffers. Everything is geared towards faster results with less effort – even TV dinners! When considering the fall in grace, side effects of steroids, the shame and embarrassment, betrayal of colleagues and fellow competitors, and the lifelong stigma that a person abusing steroids carries with it would make most people turn back. But the pressure of being the best, and remain the best, is that few of us have to bear. Is it really worth it?
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