Where Do Teens Get Steroids?
Since anabolic steroids are available only by prescription, and because they are regulated like narcotics, anabolic steroid abusers often obtain the drugs illegally. Some of the ways abusers can get steroids include: purchasing steroids manufactured in an illegal drug laboratory (not subject to FDA standards and regulations), smuggling from other countries, purchasing through Internet sales, or stealing from U.S. pharmacies.5 Forms of anabolic steroids containing androstenedione or “andro” can be purchased legally without a prescription through many commercial sources, including health food stores. An anabolic steroid precursor is a steroid that the body converts into an anabolic steroid.6 There is evidence that they may increase the risk of serious, long-term health problems.
