Sports on Steroids

While using steroids may seem like it's affecting only the athlete, there can be many consequences for them and the level of competition that goes against said person.

By: Bartu 11.2

Everyone has heard of the phrase ‘something on steroids’ at least once in their life. The phrase ‘on steroids’ can be used in jokes and exaggerated descriptions, but the actual drug itself is no laughing matter. Steroids have been a hot topic when discussing athlete performance and enhancement since the beginning of sports, so far back that even the ancient Greeks used to take steroids during the Olympics. Some say it plagues sports, and some say it allows athletes to reach the next level. Well, in short, there are good arguments and points made for both sides. 

Before we get into the juicy stuff, we need to fully understand what steroids are. Steroids are synthetic drugs that imitate hormones that our bodies naturally produce as part of maturation or in response to stress. Anabolic steroids imitate male sex hormones. The term anabolic refers to the process of building muscle tissue, while androgenic refers to male sex characteristics. Anabolic steroids are the kind typically abused by athletes, which is why it ties in a lot with sports.

Steroid use in sports is a concern for coaches, managers, parents, and peers of athletes, as well as the athletes themselves. While using steroids may seem like it's affecting only the athlete there can be many consequences for them and the level of competition that goes against said person. Although steroids can enhance one’s ability to perform, they have side effects, and athletes can face complications with dependence and even addiction. Simply put, athletes who abuse steroids are heading down an inevitable path. While steroids might provide an unfair advantage and short-term performance boost, those who take them also set themselves up for failure in more ways than one. Just like social media, which gives you a quick boost of dopamine, steroids hinder abilities to control oneself by providing short-lasting effects that can have severe consequences. This raises the question: should athletes who take steroids be punished through suspension or even jail time for unlawful possession or given another chance through rehabilitation efforts?

Steroid abuse is prevalent as some athletes want to win or rise to the top, no matter the cost. With an athlete's drive and competitive mindset, nothing can get in between the goals they’ve set. This can lead them to explore every option possible to achieve those said goals, even if it means taking these performance-enhancing substances. In someone professional sports, procedures have been made when steroids have been taken. For example, in the US, athletes have a 3-step sanctioning process. Generally, first timers will receive a 50 ‘game/event’ suspension without pay, which can progress to a 100 ‘game/event’ suspension without pay. Those who continue to violate this receive the final punishment where the athlete is banned from participating in competitions for a lifetime. Athletes could also get into legal action as possession of unlawful enhancement drugs like steroids can land a hefty 1-year jail sentence at max and a minimum of a 1000$ fine depending on the jury and judges’ decisions.

Some say athletes should have it easier than non-athlete individuals who take steroids whereas other people argue otherwise, ultimately it all comes down to individual sports leagues and committees to decide punishments outside of the law which can be beneficial for athlete recovery and rehabilitation, otherwise, athletes can be deterred from bettering themselves as no one is there to help them get better.

We can all agree that drugs are not good so if everyone can keep that mindset and be mindful of everyone around them and the consequences that come with taking steroids the feel of sports can be preserved. Nobody wants a world where we have millions of athletes who look like Ronnie Coleman in his prime playing football or basketball while being ‘jacked’. Committees and leagues are constantly working with athletes and officials, all we need you to do now is spread awareness of misuse of steroids.