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Steroids — they're an important area of concern for professional sports organizations, schools, and athletes. Steroid drugs (or PEDs) have the ability to drastically alter the human body and its biological functions, including the ability to considerably improve athletic performance in certain instances. These drugs can be extremely dangerous and even deadly.
Under federal law, steroids are classified as Schedule III in the U.S. Androgenic-anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing drugs are also banned by major, amateur, and professional sports. Use is not limited to bodybuilders and professional athletes.
"Anabolic steroids" is the name for synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones (e.g., testosterone). They promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects) in both males and females. Some common names for anabolic steroids are Gear, Juice, Roids, and Stackers. Anabolic refers to muscle-building.
Anabolic steroid abuse can cause dangerous side effects. When used inappropriately, they can cause a host of severe, long-lasting, and in some cases, irreversible negative health consequences. Anabolic steroids can lead to heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure, and serious psychiatric problems. In addition, because steroids are often injected, users who share needles or use nonsterile techniques when they inject steroids are at risk for contracting dangerous infections, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C.
There are behavioral effects associated with anabolic steroids that include increased irritability and aggression. Research also indicates that some users might turn to other drugs to alleviate some of the negative effects of anabolic steroids.
Urinalysis is the most reliable and common testing method. The amount of time an anabolic steroid or drug remains detectable in one’s system is the longest in urine, especially for the metabolites of that compound. Some of the most common anabolic steroids today are anadrol, oxandrin, dianabol, winstrol, deca-durabolin, and equipoise.
Steroids can stay in the body for 14 to 28 days and can be detected through heightened levels of testosterone and steroid metabolites in the user’s body.
At US Drug Test Centers, we offer a steroid drug test for individuals, athletes, and in some cases, for the workplace, where physical strength and performance are critical in daily tasks in jobs such as security, law enforcement, and warehousing. Our comprehensive steroid testing panels screen for steroid drugs that include:
The testing panels for steroids may include testing for anabolic, diuretics, stimulants, and narcotics. Our testing panels are as follows:
Through the media, steroid use is growing. Many major league baseball players have abused steroids, adding to its glamour. Barry Bonds’ name will forever be marked with an asterisk because of his connection to steroids. Alex Rodriguez faced a 200-game suspension. In July 2013, Ryan Braun faced a 65-game suspension for taking steroid drugs.
High school athletes sometimes face tremendous pressure to perform.
With the high expectations of some sports programs, athletes will sometimes turn to steroids to quickly gain an edge in their sport. The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids states that about one in 20 teenagers has used steroids to increase their muscle mass. A study of 2,800 students found that most of the students had engaged in at least one muscle-building activity in the previous year. Up to one-third used what researchers considered unhealthy ways to increase their muscle mass, such as taking steroids or other muscle-building substances, or drinking too many protein shakes or engaging in excessive weightlifting.
Only about 20% of U.S. high schools drug test their athletes. If you suspect your teen has been using steroids, begin by talking to them. Their health, education, and future depend on your patience and understanding. If you cannot get through to your child by your own efforts, then you may want to talk to your teen’s coach and guidance counselor. Depending upon the severity of the issue, a teen drug rehab program may be necessary.
When it comes to steroid drugs, the National Institute for Drug Abuse warns that “simply teaching students about steroids’ adverse effects does not convince adolescents that they can be adversely affected.” Instead, it recommends a balanced approach that discusses both the benefits and detriments of the drugs.
Anabolic steroid abuse, once viewed as a problem strictly associated with bodybuilders, fitness buffs, and professional athletes, is also present in the law enforcement community. Additionally, individuals in occupations requiring enhanced physical strength — bodyguards and construction workers — are known to take these drugs.
The most important aspect to curtailing abuse is education concerning dangerous and harmful side effects and symptoms of abuse. Law enforcement officers must understand they can perform their jobs and have a great body without steroids. They should focus on having a proper diet, getting sufficient rest, and maintaining good overall mental and physical health.
In today’s society, people are willing to take great risk to excel in sports and perform their jobs better. Also, we live in a society where image is paramount to some people. Therefore, the popularity of steroid drugs such as anabolic steroids and anabolic steroid substitute products are the choice of some people to achieve these goals. Steroid abuse is still a problem despite the illegality of the drug and the banning of steroids by various sports authorities and sports governing bodies.
Yes, steroid abuse is a big problem. Contact US Drug Test Centers if you need to set up a steroid drug test at any of our 20,000+ centers nationwide. Our consultants can work with your organization to develop an effective steroid drug test program.
