Discussion of Different Types of Steroid Use
Medical Use – Steroids are commonly utilized in medical treatments to treat a variety of conditions such as delayed puberty, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, skin problems and can even help in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Though the treatment is effective and beneficial for many, there can be significant side effects that include mood swings and an increase in blood pressure or cholesterol.
Performance Enhancing – In addition to medical use of steroids for therapeutic purposes, some athletes choose to use them for performance-enhancing reasons. This often involves taking higher doseage than prescribed medically with the goal of quickly increasing muscle mass, strength and overall physical performance. Side effects from this type of use can potentially be dangerous, ranging from liver disease to increased aggression and risk-taking behaviour.
Recreational Use – Recreational steroid use by individuals not prescribed the drugs by a doctor is illegally acquired through sources such as the internet or street vendors. These individuals may not be aware or have access to accurate information around proper dosage or potential side effects associated with usage. The risks involving this type of usage can be very severe which includes development of long term health issues such boost in bad cholesterol levels (LDL), decreased testosterone levels and increases risk of stroke.
Prevalence of Steroid Use
The prevalence of steroid use in Canada has typically been highest among male athletes, bodybuilders and power lifters. According to a 2007 survey of high school students conducted by the Canadian Addiction Survey, 2.2% of boys reported using anabolic steroids in their lifetime while 0.5% of girls reported using them. This suggests that historical steroid use has largely been limited to men as a way of improving athletic performance or physical appearance.
In addition to this demographic, there are other populations which have begun to turn to steroids for various reasons: people suffering from chronic illnesses such as Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Scleroderma and psoriasis, athletes at the amateur level attempting competitive performance enhancement and those who are simply trying to change their physical appearance. In recent years, we’ve seen increased media coverage regarding athletes in professional sports who have been accused of supplementing with anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). This phenomenon has become so prevalent that Canadian Anti-Doping Agency exists which oversees sport drug testing and takes preventative measures against PEDs use in athletes across the country.
Although the long-term effects of steroid use can be dangerous, many Canadians continue to leverage its potential benefits mainly due to its perceived benefits rather than its associated risks. Understanding both the risks and benefits associated with using steroids is important when it comes time for individuals to make informed decisions about steroid use or any health-related action.
Impact of Steroid Use and Abuse on Canadian Society
The use and abuse of steroids in Canada has had significant effects on both physical and mental health. Common physical risks associated with steroid use include increased blood pressure, altered heart rate and rhythm, cardiac enlargement, enhanced risk of stroke, liver dysfunction, urinary tract infections, cystic acne lesions, joint pain, priapism (prolonged penile erection), testicular shrinkage and gynecomastia (male breast enlargement). Long-term mental effects can include increased aggression due to increased levels of testosterone and other hormones present in the drug. Long-term or continuous use of steroids can also lead to psychiatric problems such as mood swings and depression.
In terms of social implications in Canadian society, steroid use has become increasingly prevalent amongst teenagers who are influenced by a culture that reveres athleticism and physical prowess. Aside from the negative health repercussions mentioned above, the drive to acquire the ‘perfect’ physique can lead to some dangerous practices such as sharing needles between users or illegally purchasing steroids online which come with no guarantee of safety or purity. Furthermore, society in general is continually exposed to media reports on athletes scandals involving anabolic drugs which report them in a negative light.
Despite the potential risks posed by steroid use in Canada there are potential benefits when used responsibly under medical supervision for therapeutic purposes such as muscle wasting caused by HIV/AIDS. Steroids have also been used successfully for improving mood symptoms including fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Used carefully and consistently as directed by a licensed physician steroids may carry fewer risks than suggested mainly due to higher doses often referenced when discussing adverse events. Clearly an open conversation between physicians and their patients concerning the proper prescription and safe usage will be essential for moving forward safely into this subject without ignoring its potential benefits entirely.
Different Alternatives to Steroid Use
Alternative methods to steroids use hold a variety of benefits over the short and long term. For example, one alternative is known as “resistance exercise.” This type of activity focuses on training and strengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments through specific exerciessuch as weightlifting, squats or dead lifts. As an added benefit, resistance exercise goalsof increased muscle strength and fiber size can be achieved without putting yourself at risk for complications due to steroid use.
Another viable alternative includes dietary supplements including protein powders, vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients that are specifically designed to increase energy levels, promote muscle growth, decrease fatigue and performance-related pains as well as improve overall health. Nutritional dieting can help provide essential nutrients your body needs while helping avoid the potentially dangerous side effects of using steroids.
Lastly, some may find restorative methods such as yoga, tai chi and Pilates helpful in reducing stress levels while providing relief from muscular pain. These practices not only aid in increasing flexibility but also helpreduce body fat in addition to improving coordination which shall optimize any athlete’s performance without the use of steroids.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
Real-Life Examples: Real-life examples may include bodybuilders or athletes that have used steroids responsibly and improved their performance without any dangerous side effects. This can provide a great starting point for individuals to make informed decisions on using steroids.
Case Studies: Case studies are also extremely helpful in studying the potential risks versus benefits of steroid use. Such case studies may highlight individuals who have struggled with steroid addiction and abuse, as well as cases where an individual’s safe usage has resulted in success and increased strength & performance output. These stories can often help educate others about the potential dangers of these powerful drugs.
