The major reason why many teenagers use steroids is because they lack role models in the society. Almost every athlete or professional bodybuilders uses steroids in order to enhance there performance. There are many professional bodybuilders who earn billions of dollars because they have great body physique thanks to steroid-warehouse.
The media also has a part to play as to why many teenagers use steroids nowadays since they rarely talk about the side effects associated with steroids. The media always portrays a positive picture about steroids and the teen are completely left in the dark without knowing that steroids do have side effects.
Steroids are synthetic hormones which resemble the male sex hormone testosterone and have the ability of enhancing fast muscle development. The performance enhancing steroids are also known as anabolic steroids or androgenic steroids. They are different from corticosteroids which are usually used in the treatment of body inflammation and asthma.
Androgenic steroids are usually illegal in very many countries but corticosteroids have been legalised in many countries since it can be used to cure very many ailments. Apart from curing asthma and body inflammations, corticosteroids is also effective in treating skin problems, impotence, osteoporosis, and breast cancer.
Steroids abuse among the youth is increasing at a very alarming rate especially in high schools. In the past it was mostly the members of the football team and wrestlers who took steroids but of late even teenagers who are not participating in any sport but simply want to improve there body physique are taking steroids. Teenagers are usually very conscious about there physical image and that is why they result to taking steroid so that they can develop a muscular body physique.
There are many parents who are oblivious to the fact that there children are using steroids. There are many signs which can help you know whether your child is taking steroids but the most obvious one is fast muscle growth. If you notice that your child is attaining very fast muscle growth within a very short time span then you need to be very concerned. If for example your child is increasing in body mass very fast within a time span of three months then you should start investigating whether they are on steroids.
Other signs to watch out for include; acne, jaundice, hair loss in females, females start talking with a bass, increase in facial hair in women, men on the other hand start growing breasts and increased aggression and moodiness. The psychological effect of the steroid is also a very good sign to watch out for. Some of the psychological effects include; euphoria, confusion, sleeping disorders, pathologic anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Once you notice the above signs in your child the next step involves talking to your child. Do not talk to your child in a confrontational manner but instead use a friendly tone. Teenagers are very rebellious and if you try to use force they will not listen to a single thing you have to say. You need to let them know about all the side effects associated with steroid abuse both in the short run and in the long run.