Abstract Anabolic steroids have become an integral part of the equation for athletic success in a number of sports. The paper explains that the advantages associated with the drugs are substantial and readily apparent, while the disadvantages are often seen as insignificant or unobserved. It points out that although the specific mechanisms by which anabolic steroids harm and kill remain clouded, there is enough proof to condemn the drugs from a medical perspective. Morally, they not only put into question the place of sports in society, but the entire bond between effort and outcome in physical achievement. The writer concludes that as long as the driving force behind sports is victory and competition, any advantage-whether perceived or real, legal or illegal-will categorically be pursued.
From the Paper "Anabolic steroids can be lethal. "Most of these lethal effects have involved the cardiovascular system and have been reported in case studies." (Taylor, 76). Heart attack, blood clots in the lungs, strokes, intra-abdominal hemorrhages, and suicides have been identified as possibly being the result of steroids (Taylor, 76). Although many models have been developed to explain the connection between anabolic steroids and these forms of death, there is currently no clear consensus in the medical community. Nevertheless, statistically athletes who are steroid users have been identified as approximately ten percent more likely to suffer premature deaths than athletes who are non-steroid users (Taylor, 77). Such a strong correlation establishes steroid use as exceedingly dangerous to everyone who uses them, regardless of their previous physical condition."
Abstract An overview of anabolic steroids is presented in this paper. Firstly a brief history, followed by statistics for the people using them. The writer then examines why people take steroids and what the effects are for men and women separately. It concludes with the treatment for steroids.
From the Paper "Anabolic steroids is the familiar name for synthetic substances related to the male sex hormone. They promote the growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male characteristics. They have been around for decades, but in the last ten to fifteen years the research on the effects of this drug has increased. The side effects were not known when the drug first came out, but they are becoming more and more prevalent through recent research. Many new side effects are being discovered and it is likely many more side effects are yet to be discovered. Males and females have different side effects to deal with, but all of them are harmful. Anabolic steroids are a growing concern throughout the world (Yesalis, 68)."
Abstract This paper explains that androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS), synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, can exert strong effects on the human body, which may be beneficial for athletic performance; however, they also have many serious negative effects on the user's health. The author used a multiple choice questionnaire for participants in intramural sports teams questioning the athletes' knowledge and use of steroids and interviewed coaches regarding their knowledge of the prevalence of the use of AAS drugs in their particular population of student athletes. The paper concludes that (1) the level of knowledge of the coaches in this school was relatively low, (2) 36% of the students at this high school reported using AAS either currently or in the past and (3) a significant proportion of the athletes who took these drugs were unable to state correctly the side effects or the expectations for these drugs.
Table of Contents
The Problem
Problem Background
Literature Review
Historical Perspective
Performance Enhancing Drugs - the Real Problem
Problems Associated with AAS Use
Physiological Changes Associated with AAS Use
Purpose of the Study and Research Questions
Limitations
Definitions
Importance of the Study
Methodology
Research Design
Selection of Participants
Instrumentation
Ethical Issues
Dissemination
Restatement of the Purpose
Research Question One
Research Question Two
Research Question Three
Sub Question A
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Summary
Conclusions
Implications for Practice/Research
Student Questionnaire
Informed Consent Form
Budget
Educational Course Outline
From the Paper "There are some sections of the sport world who believe that the risk of significant side effect from the use of anabolic steroids has been grossly overstated. It is probably more correct to state that studies in this area are really few and far between, and when studies have been carried out the data retrieval is difficult and there is very little in the way of side effect reporting. It therefore makes it difficult to predict the level of harm which may be related to the use of anabolic steroids, but some can be theorized and therefore monitored for. In females who use the drugs, the masculinizing effects can be damaging to features and fertility. It is also important to understand that many of these drugs are not adequately regulated, and as a result many athletes end up using counterfeit products, which carry no safety data or warning labels."
Abstract The paper reviews the history of anabolic steroids and explains how they affect the body. It reviews potential dangers in steroid use and abuse, both physical and mental, and attempts to gauge the extent of abuse. The paper reviews players' attitudes to steroid use in professional sports and recounts several incidents where players were caught using steroids. In conclusion, the paper finds that only education of athletes and potential athletes - adolescents - will reduce the demand for, and eventually the abuse of, steroids in sports.
Table of Contents:
Statement of Controversy
Discussion
Implications
Recommendations
References
From the Paper "In addition to the physical side effects, the use of anabolic steroids also causes psychological side effects. The drugs become extremely addictive and damaging to the mind. They can cause violent episodes, and become so psychologically addicting that users are unable to recognize the negative side effects. Additionally, research has shown that steroids sometimes cause psychotic side effects, which have been nicknamed as "roid mania." The symptoms include wildly aggressive and combative behavior, depression, listlessness, and delusions during and after performance. For example, athletes who use steroids have been shown to attempt to continue the competition after the end of a game. Steroids mentally destroy the brain and the ability to reason. Overall the usage of steroids is extremely damaging to the human body."
Abstract This paper discusses the anatomical and physiological processes of cellular metabolism and anabolism, including what each is and what each does, the distinguishing characteristics between the two, how enzymes control the metabolic process, how cells access energy for their activities, how metabolic pathways are regulated and what the metabolic pathways of carbohydrate metabolism are.
From the Paper "Metabolism is a chemical process that is performed by any living organism, at the cellular level, in order to balance energy. This energy balance is done by processing nutrients that come into the body at the cellular level, and the end result is the maintenance of life. Metabolism, really, is a combination of two separate types of reactions. The first type of reaction that makes up metabolism is catabolism. Catabolism is a decomposition reaction and thus is exergonic, which means that this type of reaction produces more energy than it consumes. Another term for this would be exothermic, that catabolism produces heat. Catabolic reactions take the energy stored in organic molecules and release this energy. Some important catabolic reactions that take place at the cellular level are the Krebs cycle, the electron transport chain, and glycolysis. In many ways, anabolism is the opposite of catabolism. "
An analysis of four psychoactive drugs and drug families that are commonly used and abused in America: nicotine, marijuana, anabolic steroids and alcohol.
Abstract The paper reviews the American legislation that "controls" certain substances. The paper examines smoking laws and tobacco usage to determine the American use / abuse of nicotine. It also contrasts that with the greater illegality of marijuana, and compares that to sports drugs such as anabolic steroids. Finally, the paper reviews the history of alcohol legislation and abuse. In conclusion, the writer feels that nicotine and alcohol should be treated more as health hazards, in line with the legislative treatment accorded marijuana and metabolic steroids. Table of Contents: Legislation Affecting Drugs in the United States; Nicotine; Marijuana; Anabolic Steroids; Liquor; Bibliography
From the Paper "Scheduling occurs according to certain criteria that are applied to drugs according to their medicinal value, harmfulness, and potential abuse or addiction to the drug. There are five schedules, of which Schedule I is assigned to the most dangerous drugs with the least medicinal value, with Schedule II-V being applied to drugs with decreasing danger and increasing medicinal value. Schedule V would then include the least dangerous of the drugs."
Abstract The paper explores how the use of anabolic steroids damages individuals' mental and general health. The paper also discusses how steroids go against the development of good character for athletes and everyone else. The paper asserts that athletes and other individuals should avoid the use of steroids despite the hard drive to professional success. The paper then contends that sports directors, other officials and parents can do a lot to effect a ban on anabolic steroids and stop the abusive use of these substances.
From the Paper "Steroids are a class of prescribed drugs, used to treat abnormally low amounts of testosterone, body wasting in the case of AIDS and other disease conditions involving loss of body mass (National Institute of Drug Abuse 2006). Anabolic steroids contain hormones or hormone-like substances, used to boost strength and muscle growth (Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence 1998). Steroids were first developed in Europe in the 30s to treat undernourished patients. They were also used for healing after surgery. Weightlifters began using them for competitions in the 50s in order to enhance their performance. The popularity and use of steroids thus spread among athletes throughout the world. Today, at least one in 15 male high school seniors in the US or half a million of them have used steroids."
Abstract The paper discusses a quantitative research study that proposes to examine the use of anabolic steroids and the propensity towards severe depression among students. The paper offers a background of the use of anabolic steroids and provides a literature review as well as an explanation of the hypothesis and methodology to be used. The paper includes a copy of all sources used as appendices to the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Hypothesis
Methodology
From the Paper "Anabolic steroids have become the substance of choice for a growing number of teens. It is estimated that nearly 500,000 of all eighth -tenth grade students use anabolic steroids on a regular basis (Melloni, 2006). Anabolic steroids can only be obtained by prescription in the US, but this does not prevent teens from obtaining them through sources shipped into other countries and then struggled across the border (Gober, et al., 2006). Anabolic steroids, in combination with exercise and proper diet can promote increased size and strength of muscles (Gober, et al., 2006)."
Abstract This paper researches the use and development of anabolic steroids in professional and college level athletes and traces its effect and impact on the psycho-physiology of the sports player.
Abstract This paper is a research study to answer three questions to improve knowledge within the physiological and psychological fields of sport science. The first and second questions studied are the effect of anabolic steroids on an athlete's performance and aggression personality measure. The third research question aims to find out if older athletes (aged 35-45 years) experience higher anxiety than younger athletes.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Research Question One
Research Question Two
Research Question Three
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "There is debate as to whether older people are really at lower risk for depressive disorders, or whether endorsement of symptoms is low. A study by Christensen et al, (1999) assessed the effects of age on anxiety and depression, and examined whether age had direct effects on self-report of individual symptoms independent of its effect on the underlying dimensions of anxiety and depression. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the structure of the items and their associations with age and a number of demographic variables. They sampled 2622 participants aged between 18 and 79 years. Results found that both scales were found to fit satisfactorily to a two factor model. Items with direct age effects reflected physical (feeling slowed down; waking early) and psychological (hopeless about the future) components of depression."
Abstract This paper examines the use of creatine monohydrate as a dietary supplement, which dates back as far as the 1920s. The supplement was used by athletes in Europe before its recent debut in the U.S. which is aimed at athletes and body builders. Creatine monohydrate is an amino acid derivative that is formed in the liver, kidneys and pancreas from the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. Creatine monohydrate can also be obtained from food, particularly red meat. The musculature of the body has the ability to store more creatine than is used in a typical diet. Athletes take advantage of this ability by literally stuffing a muscle with creatine. This allows for expanded storage and the swifter conversion into adenosine triphosphate. Used over a protracted period of time, the result will be greater hypertrophy and the ability to sustain a longer and more intense workout. It is believed that creatine has a direct anabolic effect on the muscles by acting as a signal to increase protein synthesis during activity overload. This paper focuses on the controversy surrounding the use of the supplement. While supposed links between creatine and the deaths of several wrestlers have been disproved, studies have nonetheless shown that heavy loading is unnecessary and may be counterproductive, if not dangerous.
Table of Contents:
How Creatine Monohydrate Works
Why the Controversy?
Creatine and the Kidneys
The Best Way to Use Creatine
Creatine and Androstenedione
Scientific Studies of Creatine Use
Is It Good or Is It Bad?
Summary
Bibliography
From the Paper "There is a school of though that suggest a phased method of creatine use. A high dosage is used for five days, with the ingesting of as much as 20 grams per day in four doses. The dosage is then reduced to a level just high enough to keep the muscles loaded. Research has indicated that this regimen is not as effective as it was originally thought to be. Continuing to take his doses of creatine after the muscles are saturated will result in the elimination of creating the rough the urinary tract. The increased urinary excretion places stress on the kidneys and liver. Tests have shown that in a loading phase, creatine efficacy peaks at day six and its effects begin to decrease from that time. On the other hand a steady creatine uptake without loading lasts through day 15 and positive effects can last for up to 56 days."
Tags: body, builders, athletes, drugs, anabolic, steroids, risk, death
Abstract This paper explains that steroids are a controlled substance, which can both help and harm the user. The author examines the current issue of anabolic steroid use among individuals seeking to use them as performance enhancers to improve athletic performance and physical appearance. The paper relates the history of steroid use, its prevalence among professional athlete, and the potential hazards to one's health.
From the Paper "Steroids are controlled substances. For that reason, there is a great potential danger in their use. It is quite common for individuals to become addicted to steroids and even suffer some serious side effects. Unfortunately, steroids have gained some notoriety in recent years because professional athletes use steroids to improve their performances and effectively cheat. Obviously, steroids should be banned from professional sports and the players strictly screened for possible use. However, steroids can have benefits and should be available to the general public, though in a controlled fashion."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of substance abuse in sports today. The paper points out that of all the controversial issues regarding contemporary sports, such as skyrocketing player salaries, unaffordable ticket prices, over expansion and ridiculously long playoff seasons, the most pressing of all is substance abuse. The paper further discusses how the lenient responses in the past to substance abuse by prominent professional athletes have sent the hypocritical and dangerous message to young athletes of high school age and even younger that substance abuse is not that big a deal and that it OK to use performance enhancing drugs.
Abstract The paper discusses how steroid abuse has become a major problem in sports. The paper explains that performance-enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids and human growth hormone are tempting for athletes whose careers depend on outplaying their competitors. The paper details the sometimes fatal side effects of these drugs and shows how they harm the integrity of all sports. The paper maintains that performance-enhancing drugs should, therefore, be barred from all sports.
From the Paper "Steroid abuse has become a major problem in sports. The deaths of athletes like Eduardo Gory Guerrero have drawn attention to the real physical dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. Baseball players like Mark McGuire and Jason Giambi have made performance-enhancing drugs seem as common as Gatorade in their sport. According to CBS News, three NFL professional football players with the Carolina Panthers Jeff Mitchell, Todd Sauerbaun, and former Panther Todd Stuessie filled steroids prescriptions before they played in the 2004 Super Bowl. Proliferation of performance-enhancing drugs is problematic, causing increasing numbers of athletes to resort to drugs in order to remain competitive."
Abstract This paper discusses the ethics involved in the use of steroids in order to enhance athletic performance, looking at the use of both legal and illegal steroids within sports. The paper also discusses the history of steroid use and its legality within the United States. Finally, the paper looks briefly at the side effects that come with the use of anabolic steroids. The paper contains a table that summarizes the drug schedules and the penalties for violation of the Federal Law, Controlled Substance Act of 1970.
From the Paper "The use of performance enhancement drugs by many people in our society will not slow down anytime soon. Many negative effects are contributed to the abuse of these drugs but this has not stopped people, especially athletes, from using them. People want to get results faster than they normally would when it come to body image and performance. Our society has become one, of great expectations and demands but not one with a lot of patience. In my opinion in order to get the public to understand the harm about steroids we need to educate ourselves and our children. We have the moral obligation to teach the world and future generations about the ethical dilemmas that this drug and many others bring to the world. We also have the legal authority to helps us spread the message about the harms of steroids through punishment and deterrence but the justice system is concerned with other major crimes. Ethics teach us about what is right or wrong, the only problem is that over time the perception of what is right or wrong has changed tremendously. There are many people who think using drugs is acceptable, while the majority still think it is not. Education is the solution to the ethical dilemma of using steroids in sports."
