Law Enforcement and Steroids

Paper Summary:

This paper begins with a discussion on steroids and its general use in athletes today. It then offers a scientific description of the physical and psychological effects of steroid use or abuse. The paper focuses on the use of steroids by law enforcement officers. The author offers an objective viewpoint, arguing both for and against its use. Examples are used to qualify points made.

From the Paper:

"Psychologic effects are usually only seen with very high doses, and include wide and erratic mood swings, irrational behavior, increased aggressiveness, irritability, depression, and dependency (General). Adverse physical effects may include acne, liver dysfunction, hypertension, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased cardiovascular risk, and males may develop gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, and azoospermia (General). Females may experience enlarged clitoris, decrease in breast size, increase in aggressiveness and appetite, and menstruation may change or stop (General). In group comparison studies, men selected for atypical violence (e.g., prison inmates) have been found to possess higher free testosterone levels compared with less violent controls, and in correlation studies, a significant link between free testosterone levels and verbal aggression, as well as physical violence, has been reported in samples of spouse-abusing men (Eriksson)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Anabolic Steroids. Retrieved March 21 2006 from:http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/ster01.htm
• Anabolic1 Steroids. Retrieved March 21 2006 from:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabolic_steroid
• Dexheimer, Eric. A Bulky Blue Line. May 26 2005. Retrieved March 21 2006 from: http://www.westword.com/Issues/2005-05-26/news/sidebar2.html
• Eriksson, Peter C.J.; Sarkola, Taisto; Seppa, Kaija; Von Der Pahlen, Bettina.
• "Testosterone, 5[alpha]-Dihydrotestosterone and Cortisol in Men with and without Alcohol-Related Aggression." Journal of Studies on Alcohol. Volume: 63. Issue: 5. 2002. Pp 518+. Retrieved March 21 2006 from Questia Online Library Web site.

More papers on Law Enforcement and Steroids:

• Dissertation or Thesis # 91313 : "Law Enforcement and Stress"
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• Term Paper # 33021 : "Fitness Program for Law Enforcement and Correctional Deputies"

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