Post created by Brittney
13 Reasons Why is a Netflix original series based on Jay Asher’s novel of the same title. It was a #1 New York Times and International bestseller, with over three million copies being sold. The series was executively produced by Selena Gomez and gained both positive and negative national attention for its raw, unfiltered depictions of grim adolescent struggles.
One of the topics addressed in this TV drama is steroid abuse among high school students, particularly in seasons three and four. After the death of Bryce Walker in season three, police find steroids in his car. It is revealed that Bryce was selling steroids to Alex, another main character who was feeling insecure about his scrawny appearance and physical disability. But throughout the rest of the season and into season four, steroids were abused by almost the entire football team, and not just sold by Bryce.
While these last two seasons addressed this issue, they failed to acknowledge how they alter various mechanisms in your body which can result in numerous short-term and long-term side effects.
So what are steroids, and why are they abused especially among male athletes?
The type of steroids most commonly abused by athletes are called anabolic-androgenic steroids. "Anabolic" refers to muscle building, and "androgenic" refers to increased male sex characteristics. They consist of synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, and are sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat hormonal issues. Steroids are also used to treat diseases that cause muscle loss such as cancer and AIDS. Some common names for anabolic steroids are Gear, Juice, Roids, and Stackers.
There are many misconceptions regarding these drugs, mainly due to getting inaccurate information from peers, and lack of proper education in popular media. The few benefits of consumption are exaggerated, while the many risks are ignored. They are advertised to increase lean body mass, strength and aggressiveness. Steroids are also believed to reduce recovery time between workouts, which makes it possible to train harder and thereby further improve strength and endurance.
But are all of these claims accurate, and is it worth all of the risks?
No. Studies conducted on the short-term use of androgenic-anabolic steroids prove that they can increase strength and bodyweight, but other claims are inaccurate. Not to mention, abusing these drugs provides a competitive advantage over athletes who are competing fairly. Not to mention, The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 placed anabolic steroids into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as of February 27, 1991. In other words, the possession or sale of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is illegal, and has serious legal consequences. Additionally, even though anabolic steroids do not cause the same high as other drugs, they can lead to addiction.
Possible psychological disturbances include the following:
Paranoia
Impaired judgment (stemming from feelings of invincibility)
Depression
Delusions
Nervousness
Extreme irritability
Hostility and aggression
Anabolic steroid misuse might lead to serious, even permanent, health problems such as:
kidney problems or failure
liver damage and tumors
enlarged heart, high blood pressure, and changes in blood cholesterol, all of which increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, even in young people
increased risk of blood clots
Consumption of these drugs without a valid prescription brings many harmful risks physically, mentally, and legally. Before trying any drug, it is always important to be informed on all of the effects it can have.
Sources:
https://www.radiotimes.com/news/on-demand/2020-06-05/13-reasons-why-recap-explained/
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/anabolic-steroids
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15248788/
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/brochures/steroids/public/