Steroids and Young Athletes

Winning at all costs can be a losing proposition

Many young athletes are so focused on winning the game, topping their personal best or pleasing coaches and parents they’re willing to do almost anything—including using performance- enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids.

“They perceive, often incorrectly, that their opponents use these drugs, so they must use them to stay competitive,” says John Graham, exercise physiologist at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Coaches and parents sometimes contribute to the problem by having unreal expectations.”

Steroids are a faster and easier way to gain strength and body mass than old-fashioned sweat, says Graham’s colleague, sports medicine specialist Laura Dunne, M.D. But they are dangerous. They can cause physical and psychological problems (see box), and put athletes at greater risk for injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints.

“And they’re illegal if not prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons,” Dunne says. “Young athletes who obtain steroids illegally risk jail, infection and toxic overdose.”

In spite of that, steroid use is on the rise among college, high school and even middle school athletes. Recreational players and those wanting to improve their physique also turn to this quick fix. Steroids are readily available online and from dealers in gyms and other places—sometimes even from unethical coaches and health professionals.

Can athletes really compete without steroids?

“Absolutely,” Graham says. “You can maximize performance through proper nutrition and strength-training. An experienced trainer develops realistic goals based on your sport, skills and abilities, and monitors your progress. You learn how to strength-train properly and increase your speed, agility and power.”

Unfortunately, the people who need the highest level of coaching often get the least, says Jay Hoffman, Ph.D., of The College of New Jersey, a national expert on steroid abuse. “Because people who work with children are not required to be certified, it’s important for you to be part of your child’s training,” he says. “Make sure teachers, coaches and trainers are educated to work with young athletes. Ideally, they should have an exercise science background and be a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Become educated with your children, and have them share with you what they learn. Then relax and enjoy the game.”

Want to Know More about nutrition and strength-training for young athletes and warning signs of injury? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, September-October 2008

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