Anabolic Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Once viewed as a problem only associated with body builders, Olympians and professional athletes, performance-enhancing drug abuse is no longer confined to these groups. In addition to those taking these drugs for sports, larger numbers of young people are turning to performance-enhancing drugs (e.g., methyltestosterone, androstenedione, HGH, stimulants) to improve their appearance. Well-informed healthcare professionals can help teens avoid making the wrong choices by providing guidance to those at risk and to their parents.

The goal of this continuing education module is to educate nurses, dietitians, fitness professionals, athletic trainers, health educators, pharmacists and physical therapists on the prevalence, effects and dangers of anabolic steroid and other performance-enhancing drug use among adolescents and to identify personal and socio-environmental factors associated with use of these substances. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to: