How Many Teens are Using Steroids?
Fortunately, the numbers are relatively low. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2.2% of 12th graders surveyed confirmed that they had used steroids in their lifetime [NIDA InfoFacts: High School and Youth Trends, 2008]. But as pressure to compete mounts and steroid use is further normalized and glamorized by professional athletes, that number may grow. Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids Girls who use anabolic steroids may experience masculinizing effects such as deepened voices, increased body hair, facial hair, decrease in breast size and enlargement of the clitoris. Unfortunately, these side effects are not usually reversible once the athlete stops taking the drugs. Teen males are at risk for undesirable side effects, as well. Habitual use of anabolic steroids can suppress the body’s testosterone production, leading to the development of secondary female sex characteristics such as swelling breasts and a decrease in the size of the sexual organs. Male teens are also at
