Anabolic steroids have been a very controversial topic since their introduction in the early 1930s. Until recent times the punishment for abusing steroids has been pitiful. Ethically the use of steroids has always bothered society for many reasons not just limited to sporting. The medical side effects of steroids are pretty straightforward. Prolonged use can induce psychological and emotional problems often referred to as "roid rage". These are just limited to the psychological and emotional problems. The physical side effects can be even worse. Despite these dangerous side effects, people continue to abuse steroids. Why, you may ask? The answer to this question is very simple; steroids make you bigger, faster, and stronger and they work especially well in well trained athletes. Society is full of people who go by the proverb "The end justifies the mean". People will use bad and immoral methods such as steroids as long as they somehow benefit. Many steroid supporters and abusers often defend themselves with the usual "If it only hurts me, why does society care?" Society cares simply because using steroids is cheating. Modern society is dominated by sports, and athletes have agreed to the social contract stating that they cannot cheat. Athletes are introduced to steroids through their coaches, schools, and in some extreme cases their parents. In the article "Are Steroids Worth the Risk" Dominic and Deborah wonder if steroids would help them because they have too much pressure to excel. They also hear rumors about steroids. Jonathon Vaughter was given the choice of using steroids or giving up his dream. He chose to abuse steroids and has regretted the decision to this day. A majority of the people who take steroids take part in the mass cultural delusion that says "I'll try this once and then stop". Despite what most most people think, this is not how it works. Doing this is like gambling away your life and that is an ante that most people just can't afford to offer.
20 Word Summaries:
The Incredible Bulk: In 2003, succeeding the multiple failed doping tests taken by numerous MLB players, athletes and medical professionals debate steroid usage.
Drugs and Athletes: Since the 1800s, athletes around the world have used steroids to improve performance in sports but many say its harmful.
Are Steroids Worth the Risk?: Recently, Dominic and Deborah exemplified the use of steroids and weighed the risks and benefits of steroids in the U.S.
Confessions of a Doper: In November 2012, in New York, Jonathan Vaughter shares his personal story to discourage doping and gather support for anti doping.