In any paper revolving around teenagers and their use of ‘mass building’ supplements it is important to note that the use of supplements to build mass and the use of steroids are not mutually exclusive. Many authors of works on body image and steroid use believe that they are inextricably linked. It is debatable as to whether the use of over-the-counter supplements are a ‘gateway’ to the use of more damaging steroids but the overwhelming feeling confirms that the risk is increased when teenagers begin to take supplements.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance- United States, reports that the percentage of students using steroids increased to 6,1% by 2002. The common belief that ‘supplements’ are not potentially dangerous has resulted in a limited amount of information about youths (of school-going age) and their ‘supplement use’ habits. As such, the preliminary information in this paper will focus on the prevalence of steroid use among males. The National Centre for Education Statistics estimated that in 2005, of “16,5 million some 5,4% of the public and private school children between” the ages of 14-17 years (660 000 children) had used or were using steroids. In Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Men, Phillips indicates that between 6 and “7% of high school boys have used these drugs” (Phillips: 2001).
Adolescent anabolic steroid use is a nationwide phenomenon with “prevalence rates among high school males [ranging] from 5-11%”, with high school athletes continuing to use these agents to improve their athletic performance and appearance despite the associated risks (Proctor: 1998). In addition, it is reported that school children begin using anabolic steroids before the age of 16 years and up to 86% of these students have no intention to cease their use of these illegal drugs. In light of these statistics, in any attempt to reduce the associated health risks of steroid use/abuse, it is imperative that implementation programmes to that effect are introduced into the school curriculum at the very latest in junior high.
“Performance enhancing drugs” have been around for centuries; the ancient Greeks used “strychnine and hallucinogenic mushrooms” in preparation for the original Olympic Games; years later (1886), the first athlete died from using performance-enhancing drugs (Luciano: 2001, 175)...
Table of Contents
1) Introduction
2) Anabolic-androgenic steroid use
3) Effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid use
4) Causes of anabolic-androgenic steroid use
5) Signs of anabolic-androgenic steroid use
6) Supplement use in teenagers
7) Supplement side effects and signs
i) Creatine
ii) Ephedrine
iii) Appetite suppressants
8) Prevention strategies
i) The parent / teachers’ role
9) Over-the-counter supplements (a guide)
i) Organisations for assistance
ii) Books / articles / websites of value
10) Appendices
i) Appendix A - DSM Substance Dependence Criteria
ii) Appendix B – Drugs abused by athletes as compiled from underground guides
iii) Appendix C – Industry Jargon
iv) Appendix D – Signs of developing dependency
v) Appendix E – Mass Building Supplements (SA)
11) References
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary objective of this work is to examine the prevalence and risks associated with the use of 'mass building' supplements and anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) among teenage boys. The central research question investigates whether the use of over-the-counter supplements serves as a 'gateway' for adolescents towards the use of more dangerous, illegal steroids, driven by unrealistic body image expectations and social pressures.
- The link between 'mass building' supplements and anabolic steroid use.
- Physiological and psychological side effects of steroid and supplement abuse.
- The role of body dysmorphia and social pressure in adolescent drug use.
- Prevention strategies and the role of parents and educators in identifying signs of abuse.
- The prevalence of supplement usage in the school-aged sporting environment.
Excerpt from the Book
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use…
The fact that “prescription steroids are classified as schedule III” substances, means that medical practitioners may ethically and legally not supply them to young healthy males in the attempt to build muscles for personal reasons. The originally legitimate medical uses of steroids has transformed into the illegal acquisition of ‘roids’, (often referred to as ‘juice’ by some users), for both physique and performance enhancement, and as such the development of a ‘black market’ of supply and demand for ‘steroid pushers’.
Steroids have two basic forms:
Actual testosterone (naturally occurring)
A clinically modified version (synthetic)
Anabolic-androgenic steroids promote cell growth and division in the body which results in the rapid increase in development of muscle tissue, cartilage and bone. This is achieved through ‘anabolism’ which is the process of building larger molecules from smaller ones. When we add an acid group to the testosterone molecule (during synthesis), causes it to undergo esterification, the increase in carbon atoms is directly proportional to the increased affect of the steroid resulting in increased performance of the drug. As an organic molecule, the addition of carbon atoms to the host molecule is virtually infinite and as such, the variants of synthetic steroids in the market is becoming extensive.
Summary of Chapters
1) Introduction: Discusses the link between supplement use and steroids, highlighting the increased health risks for teenagers and the necessity of school-based prevention.
2) Anabolic-androgenic steroid use: Explains the origins of testosterone, the history of steroid development, and the illicit transformation of these drugs into performance-enhancing substances.
3) Effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid use: Details the severe physiological and psychological consequences of steroid abuse, ranging from liver damage to aggression and dependence.
4) Causes of anabolic-androgenic steroid use: Analyzes the social and psychological pressures, such as body dysmorphia, that drive teenagers to seek chemical aids for muscle growth.
5) Signs of anabolic-androgenic steroid use: Identifies physical and behavioral indicators of abuse that parents and teachers can observe in teenagers.
6) Supplement use in teenagers: Examines the unregulated nature of the supplement industry and how these products are marketed to impressionable youth.
7) Supplement side effects and signs: Provides a breakdown of common supplements like creatine, ephedrine, and appetite suppressants and their specific risks.
8) Prevention strategies: Outlines effective, multifaceted approaches for educating at-risk youth and the role of institutions in deterring steroid usage.
9) Over-the-counter supplements (a guide): Lists common brands and provides resources for organizations that support teenagers dealing with substance abuse.
10) Appendices: Offers supplementary data, including diagnostic criteria for substance dependence, a list of common industry jargon, and an overview of available supplements.
11) References: Compiles the scholarly articles, books, and web resources used to support the research findings.
Keywords
Anabolic-androgenic steroids, AAS, teenage males, mass building supplements, body dysmorphia, Adonis Complex, substance abuse, performance enhancers, muscle growth, creatine, ephedrine, steroid dependence, adolescent health, prevention strategies, substance withdrawal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the usage patterns of mass-building supplements and anabolic steroids among teenage boys, investigating the health risks and the potential gateway effect between legal supplements and illegal steroid abuse.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The main themes include pharmacology of anabolic substances, the psychological impact of body image disorders (such as muscle dysmorphia), societal and coaching pressures on athletes, and preventative educational strategies.
What is the main objective or research question?
The objective is to understand why teenagers use supplements, to assess the associated health dangers, and to determine how schools and parents can effectively intervene to prevent the progression to steroid abuse.
Which scientific or analytical method is applied?
The work uses a comprehensive literature review, drawing on existing studies from organizations like the CDC, British Medical Association, and academic research on body dysmorphia and substance dependence.
What is addressed in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the history and types of steroids, the specific side effects of supplements, causes of abuse, clear indicators of usage, and practical prevention methods for educators and parents.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Anabolic-androgenic steroids, teenage male, muscle dysmorphia, supplement abuse, health risks, and prevention programs.
What specific danger does the author associate with creatine?
The author notes that while creatine is often presumed safe, long-term effects at high doses remain largely untested and the supplement is often aggressively marketed to children, leading to potential health concerns.
How do 'cycles' and 'pyramiding' affect the user?
These are methods used by abusers to manage dosage; 'cycling' involves taking drugs for periods and resting, while 'pyramiding' involves building up to a peak dose, which can severely disrupt hormonal balance.
What role does the 'Adonis Complex' play in the study?
It represents the psychological obsession with appearance and muscle mass, which the author identifies as a primary driver for teenagers' decisions to engage in extreme diets and steroid use.
- Citar trabajo
- Gary Elliott (Autor), 2010, Supplement and steroid use among male teenagers, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/275079
