As a result of all the media hype that played up the success of athletes who were into steroids, the teenagers who look up to these sporting personalities as heroes recklessly followed suit. This uncontrolled steroid use led to cases of serious health damage, and eventually, death.

Since the discovery of anabolic steroids in 1930, hundreds of other steroid types have come into circulation. Their ability to speed up skeletal muscle development has made it a much sought after substance by weight lifters and other athletes. A modern day example of this is Anadrol, which is regarded as one of the most potent oral steroids available in the market.  

The use of steroids doesn’t always mean going against the law. In fact, medical practitioners find them very effective in the treatment of impotence, late puberty, and even the much dreaded HIV. However, despite being illegal in the US, teenagers still manage to buy steroids from contraband runners and unscrupulous drug merchants. The side effects of steroids on these teenage users reflect in the deterioration of their physique.  

Steroid intake is usually done intravenously – not a very simple procedure when a typical sloppy teener administers it. Worse, they either use non-sterile syringe or needles that have already been used by someone else.

These ill practices have contributed to the spread of serious diseases such as Hepatitis B/C, HIV, and most other infections caused by viruses. Abscesses may also form on the region of the skin where the injection was made.  

Steroid use has also been blamed for liver tumor cases, as well as the development of cysts in the liver. These cysts, when left unchecked, may come apart causing internal hemorrhage and can be fatal.

The heart presents itself as another sitting duck when steroids are taken. Cardiac arrests and strokes are almost a certainty among regular steroid users and do not distinguish by age. These deadly consequences come as a result of the body getting depleted of good cholesterol and increased risk of blood clotting.  

On the surface, cysts and acne breakout and oily hair and skin are among the most common issues that have beset steroid users. Also, steroid abuse by teens can actually halt their growth. This is attributed to the side effect of steroids that hamper – and even altogether stop – the development of the bones.  

These are facts that parents need to discuss with their teens, while keeping a close watch for any drastic physical changes in them. Playing up the ill effects of steroid abuse will go a long way in conditioning their minds to stay away from the substance, so they could lead more wholesome, healthier lives.