The Hunt and the Witch

Table of contents

Problem definition......................................................................................................3

Physical effects.........................................................................................................4

Psychological effects...................................................................................................7

Social effects.............................................................................................................9

Problem solving.........................................................................................................9

Bibliography...........................................................................................................11

Problem Definition

Ever since sports have been played, athletes have always striven to perform at high level of competition to prove their abilities to people all over the world. Often, they make sacrifices by training hard within the rules and at times, resort to ergogenic performance enhancing substances such as anabolic steroids in order to gain the extra edge that can bring significant economic, social and personal benefits. Scientists first discovered that testosterones could be used and controlled in medical ways to treat sicknesses such as delayed puberty, impotence, lung disease or other types of diseases (...). Methandrostenolone, oxymotholone, testosteone cypionate, otherwise known as ``juice``, ``white stuff`` or ``roids``, are multiple examples of these drugs (```Do you know``, 2003). However, an increasing number of athletes use ``anabolic steroids``, and performance-enhancing drugs to achieve a higher level of performance in their respective sports. Synthetic versions of testosterone are introduced into their bodies to allow them to gain mass, power, endurance, and speed (Quinn, 2011). However, the non-medical use of these drugs is considered as illegal in all sports because it is dangerous for those who take it and unfair for those who do not (Quinn, 2011).

Some of athletes use anabolic steroids without taking into consideration the related health risks. More particularly, many parts of their body can be affected such as their blood, heart, liver, skeleton system, skin and immune system. It can also affect them psychologically (Kuipers, 1998). Consequently, this paper will describe the negative effects of performance-enhancing drugs on athlete`s lives. The main sections will deal with the physical, psychological and social effects of non-prescription steroid use. The main parts of this paper will be the physical effects which include appearance and body, the psychological effects in which personality change and the addiction will be described and finally the social effects that includes a brief explanation of an athlete who has taken anabolic steroids.

Physical effects

The use of anabolic steroids for medical needs and medical supervising could be a very effective and safe way of treating certain diseases. However, long-term use in a non-prescription mode can lead to abuse and create severe health related problems, especially to athletes who are driven to excel in their respective fields. This non-Cherios based ``breakfast of champions`` can generate short-term success but can also make room for considerable physiological downfalls (Taylor, 2002). The side effects are well documented and contribute vastly to impaired cardiovascular health, liver disease, skin conditions, and even premature death. Athletes understand the risks and are prepared to accept the latent consequences on their health (Taylor, 2002) (``Do you know``, 2003). The promise of a better social standing and financial gains often take precedence over the well documented risks. It is winning at all costs with minimal regard on the devastating long term physiological human growth hormones (HGH) (Pediatrics, 1989).

(HGH) are known to generate fluctuations is the body's biological struggle to preserve a state of homeostasis. Steroids alter the normal genetic make-up of one's organism, while creating an internal war that provides a constant stress that is known to enhance performances requiring brute strength, quickness, power and endurance (Payne; Kotwinski; Montgomery, 2004) (Taylor,2002). It is also clear that the core organs of the body do not require these athletic qualities to function under normal conditions. This means that taking high doses of (HGH) influences the level of risks on vital organs as well as the body's ability to protect against cellular mutations (Payne; Kotwinski; Montgomery, 2004) (Taylor, 2002). Anabolic steroids have an (AS) impact on the cardiovascular system, namely in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, hardening of the arteries and increasing blood pressure. The heart is the driving force that helps distributes essential nutriments and functional gasses to the organs and tissues of the body. Its deterioration can have adverse effects on an individual that may lead to a heart attack or stroke (Payne; Kotwinski; Montgomery, 2004) (Taylor, 2002).

The use of anabolic steroids is linked to poor cholesterol health. Steroid use is known to reduce healthy cholesterol (HDL) while increasing lethal cholesterol (LDL). Arteries reduce their elastic properties due to accumulations inside arterial walls. Blood pressure consequently rises and circulation is impaired. The heart must work harder to deliver oxygen to the entire body while providing ideal conditions to induce cardiac arrest and stroke (``Anabolic steroids and...blood circulation``, 2009).

Many athletes undergo natural physiological changes as a result of training. Increased strength and muscle mass known as hypertrophy occurs when muscle fiber membranes are broken down microscopically and regenerated. This regeneration process requires coagulation that limits internal bleeding and restores muscle function effectively. Steroids reduce the blood's ability to coagulate and repair the structural integrity of a muscle fiber. Swelling and edema often accompany the use of steroids due to poor blood clotting and prolonged internal bleeding (``Anabolic steroids and...blood circulation``, 2009) (Taylor, 2002).

Steroid use is known to generate hypertrophy in the walls of the left ventricle of the heart. This reduces the size of its internal chamber and consequently reduces the volume of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction. Less oxygen and nutrients are delivered while toxins and carbon dioxide levels