Steroids What are steroids? Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone that are taken to build muscle, enhance performance, and improve appearance. The drug’s anabolic or “muscle-building” effects help the body retain protein, a necessary building block for the growth of muscles, bones, and skin. The androgenic or “masculinizing” effects cause the development of a deep voice, facial and body hair, muscle mass, and aggressiveness. Unfortunately, steroid abusers risk a …showed first 75 words of 1279 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1279 total…their competition uses steroids, and they don’t believe that steroids are dangerous to use. What can parents do? The good news is that youth can be taught to resist social pressures to try drugs, like steroids. Fortunately, public education programs and prevention programs that build resiliency factors and self-esteem in youth can prevent steroid use and experimentation. Parents can help by becoming informed about steroids and by talking to their children about steroid use.