Should Anabolic Steroids Be Banned

Contributing to the win at no cost attitude of athletes is the use of anabolic steroids. When used, steroids give advantages to those athletes. People may say that taking steroids makes no difference to the athlete. However, that point is not important because steroids give the athlete an unfair advantage. The illegal substance helps the athlete get stronger and improves their overall game. Due to this unethical activity, athletes who use steroids should be banned from all sports. Anabolic steroids are a synthetic hormone resembling testosterone in promoting muscle growth. Steroids improve muscle mass and strength in those who use it. In fact, studies have shown the advantage is still there after years of stopping. “The men who stopped taking steroids in the past, and who no longer even weight-trained, nonetheless had muscle fibers and nucleii comparable to those athletes who were currently involved in high intensity weight training” (Study: Steroid Use). Athletes who use steroids are cheating the fair competitors, because they are stronger and it improves their skills.

Beginning with the short term effects, steroid use can cause mental problems. Paranoia, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgement can all be side effects. “Extreme mood swings can, also occur, including ‘roid rage’ - angry feelings and behavior that may lead to violence” (Anabolic Steroids). Some may say the long term complications are even more disturbing. In fact, this can cause stunted growth and height in teens. The reactions in men can include shrinking testicles, decreased sperm count, baldness, and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Women are prone to growth of facial hair, male pattern baldness, deepened voice, and changes in menstrual cycle. With the injection of this drug, there is an increased risk of HIV/AIDS or