Anabolic steroids (also known as roids or juice) are related to testosterone, a male hormone. While they are technically legal, there are very few prescriptions written for anabolic steroids. They are very different from other steroid medications commonly prescribed for conditions like asthma.

Why Use Steroids?

Students who want to bulk up or build muscle may turn to steroids. Abuse is not uncommon among teen athletes. Steroids can help them increase muscle mass and body weight. This gives them more endurance and strength, which are assets on the playing field — but performance-enhancing drugs are banned from organized competition.

Steroids can be taken orally or injected. Injecting may put your son at an increased risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV/AIDS because many teens share needles. Many adolescents will cycle these drugs rather than take them continually. Teens may also use different steroids to maximize the benefits and offset the long-term health effects, which include:

• Increased blood pressure

• Jaundice

• Fluid retention

• Increases in acne

• Heart problems

• Stroke

• Cancer

• Liver problems

• Heart attacks

• Sterility

• Impotence

• Slowing of growth that may permanently affect height

Is My Son Taking Steroids?

Every teen needs to know about the risks of steroid abuse. That said, there are some teen populations that are more at risk, including athletes. Some boys who are smaller in stature or are picked on because of their height may also be tempted by steroids.

Steroids have many side effects. Those around your son would notice many of these side effects. These changes can alert you to the fact that your son may be abusing anabolic steroids:

• Increase in aggression (physical and psychological)

• Increase in agitation and irritability

• Increase or onset of paranoia

• Increase in jealousy

• Depression

• Delusions

If you notice any of these signs or suspect your son is using anabolic steroids, make an appointment with your son's health care practitioner.