Influence Of Steroids On Memory And Brain Functions

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Abstract

A steroid is a biologically active organic compound with four rings arranged in aspecific molecular configuration (Britannica). Steroids have many downsides such as kidney failure, liver cancer, and heart attacks. In addition, they have a huge impact on an individual’s memory. Usually, athletes use steroids to recover quickly and workout harder without being tired. The aim is to inform adolescents, bodybuilders, and athletes of dangers of consuming steroids. Due to the rising usage of steroids, they ought to be illegal as to avoid health problems. This topic is not stressed enough through modern society. Therefore, people are not aware of the situation. Organizations and schools should provide educational sessions about the dangers of steroids so teens are aware at a young age of the negative effects of using them.

Thesis Statement: Steroids should be banned due to the increasing rate of school-aged students, bodybuilders, and athletes that consume it. In addition, they shouldn’t be using drugs to enhance their physical activity.

Introduction

Firstly, there are two types of steroids, anabolic and corticosteroids. Anabolic steroids, which are originally called anabolic -androgenic steroids, are addictive although they don’t produce euphoria. Usually, they are prescribed by doctors to cure inflammatory diseases like, lupus, myosotis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The abuse of steroids develops severe addiction. Steroids are addictive due to two factors (Addiction Center). Many people with behavioral disorders resort to using steroids as to feel better about themselves. The obsessive behavior often begins when a person realizes that their physical appearance and strength improved in a brief amount of time.

On the contrary, corticosteroids are extremely different from anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are fast working anti-inflammatories prescribed by doctors to cure allergies, swelling, and asthma (Verywell Health). They don’t have the same effect as anabolic steroids as they don’t promote muscle growth or hormonal adjustments. Corticosteroids have many side effects. For example, excessive weight gain, diabetes, and hypertension. Steroids have huge repercussions on the brain serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems. Dopamine regulates emotions, appetite, and reinforcing effects. While, serotonin regulates sleep patterns, memory operations, and movements.

Furthermore, research has shown that people that already have substance use disorders are prone to abusing steroids. There are many signs of steroid addiction. For instance, individuals might have issues with their families, spending large amounts of money acquiring steroids, continuing to use steroids despite side effects, and isolating themselves and experiencing depression. Additionally, people who take steroids are affected physiologically and may undergo depression, paranoia, and aggression which is also known as “roid rage”.

Teenagers, athletes, and bodybuilders are all affected by the consumption of steroids. Mostly, they use them to enhance physical ability and strength. Overtime, steroids affect teens mobility, mentality, and learning capability. In addition, it affects teenagers bone growth and stops it early. In most sports, when an athlete is tested for steroids and the result is positive they get suspended for a great period of time. For example, Tyson Gay, a track and field champion, was tested positive for a banned steroid and was given provisional suspension (BBC Sport). As for bodybuilders, most of them over abuse the usage of steroids which leads them to death. In contrast, Richard Piana, who took steroids to enhance his muscles spent two weeks in a coma following an overdose and later on died.

Although steroids have many negative impacts, they help in curing some diseases. It can cure sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and cancer. Steroids also cure rashes and prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. They also treat Addison’s disease, a condition where the adrenal glands aren’t able to produce even the minimum amount of corticosteroid that the body needs (Mayo Clinic). Research has shown that steroids have also been used in clinical practice since the 1940s in the treatment of chronic illnesses, trauma, burns, surgery, and radiation therapy (Oxford Academic).

Steroids should be banned due to the increasing rate of school-aged students, bodybuilders, and athletes that consume it. In addition, they shouldn’t be using drugs to enhance their physical activity. A study shows that 3.3% of high school students admit anabolic steroid use; another finds 8% of girls and 12% of boys report using steroids to improve appearance, muscle mass, or strength. Steroids have many downsides and negative side effects which affects a person’s health and mental activity. As a result, they are considered illegal in about 8 countries, including the US.

Teachers should educate adolescents about steroid misuse, and how dangerous and unbeneficial it is for our bodies. However, presenting both the risks and benefits will be more persuasive. Research shows that athletes are less likely to resort to steroids if they’re peers and parents disapprove. The Adolescents Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids (ATLAS) program is showing high school football players that they do not need steroids to build powerful muscles and improve athletic performance (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Consequently, students’ tendency to use steroids has decreased drastically.

In conclusion, steroids have many advantages and disadvantages. Illegal use of steroids and abusing them causes many impacts on a person’s health and brain functions. While if they are used in moderate amounts and are prescribed by a doctor then they can assist in curing numerous illnesses. Schools, health facilities, and governments should support the ban of steroids. The solution is to encourage people to have a healthy diet and focus on their bodies without utilizing steroids.

Bibliography

“Anabolic Steroid Addiction and Abuse – Addiction Center.” AddictionCenter, www.addictioncenter.com/stimulants/steroids/.
“Anabolic Steroids Cause Long-Standing Changes in the Brain.” Dopinglinkki, 22 Jan. 2020, dopinglinkki.fi/en/info-bank/doping-substances/anabolic-steroids-cause-long-standing-changes-brain.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Anabolic Steroids.” NIDA, www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/anabolic-steroids.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “What Can Be Done to Prevent Steroid Misuse?” NIDA, www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/steroids-other-appearance-performance-enhancing-drugs-apeds/what-can-be-done-to-prevent-steroid-misuse.
“Steroids to Treat Arthritis 24 Side Effects, Benefits & Complications.” MedicineNet, MedicineNet, 19 Dec. 2019, www.medicinenet.com/steroids_to_treat_arthritis/article.htm#
“Steroid.” The Free Dictionary, Farlex, medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/steroid.
Summers, Jeff. Steroids 101. Anabolics.com, Inc., 2002.

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Influence Of Steroids On Memory And Brain Functions

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