Essay on The Epidemic of Steroid Abuse in America

The Epidemic of Steroid Abuse in America We as a people are preoccupied with the notion of greatness. Our role models are athletes, actors and actresses, and other figures in the public eye. Many of us often desire to be better off than our current state; to look better, to be in better shape, etc†¦ We compete with each other for jobs, for mates, for grades, for parking spots, and in sporting activities. This competitive nature is a way of life, especially in sporting activities, often learned as a child and built upon throughout adulthood. But where do you draw the line? At what point do the â€Å"costs† of winning or being â€Å"better† outweigh the benefits? Maybe it’s too much when you start putting your own health in serious jeopardy†¦show more content†¦A large majority of users are taking this illegal substance to make themselves â€Å"better†. But athletes who juice are not only cheating, but breaking the law. And, as with most illegal substances, there are serious health reprecussions. Users have different reasons for doping and, subsequently, steroids have different health consequences. Some common side effects from steroid use are the following: acne, genital changes, water retention, yellowing of the eyes and skin; women may experience: male-pattern baldness, decreased breast size, deeper voices, hairy bodies, and menstrual irregularities; men may experience: reduced sperm production, shrinking of the testicles, impotence, difficulty or pain in urinating, baldness, and irreversible breast enlargement. But these are just minor setbacks right? One could say that, like those aren’t bad, but researchers have also linked steroid abuse to much more serious risks such as: fatal liver cysts, liver cancer, blood clotting, cholesterol changes, hypertension, stroke, and even heart attack. Despite all these potential problems, many still choose to take steroids. Steroid abuse and the availibity of the drug are on the rise. Many studies haveShow MoreRelatedIn The August 8Th And 15Th Issue Of The New Yorker, Mark1463 Words   |  6 Pagesbeing attacked. With over a half of million people coming to Rio De Janiero for the games one questioned struggled to be answered. Olympics organizers were faced with a challenge on how to keep both athletes and tourist safe and healthy from a major epidemic. Typically, with a high tourist rates come with the risk of injuries or infection. The Zika virus was one that many was not sure how to control and keep the safety of everyone first. The Zika virus is spread through infected mosquitos, pregnant mothersRead MorePerformance Enhancing Drug Abuse1511 Words   |  7 PagesPerformance enhancing drug abuse is a growing problem in adolescents and athletes. According to the Partnership for Drug – Free Kids, more than five percent of teens use performance enhancing drugs, or steroids increase muscle. 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