subject: 10 Signs and Symptoms of Anabolic Steroid Abuse by High School Teenagers [print this page] 10 Signs and Symptoms of Anabolic Steroid Abuse by High School Teenagers
Teenagers in high school use anabolic steroids in order to help them improve their performance in sports. Due to influences such as peer pressure and the supposed ideal body image, steroids have especially become a drug of abuse among teenage males. Athletes, in particular, are tempted to use this drug to aid them in their strength and muscle building.
Here are 10 signs and symptoms of anabolic steroid abuse, which you might find in high school teenagers:
1. Rapid weight gain
One sign that your teenager is taking steroids is rapid weight gain. He or she can gain anywhere from five to 10 kg in the first 6 to 12 weeks of taking the drug.
2. Rapid muscle development
Muscle building is often the major reason teenage athletes take steroids. If you notice your child suddenly developing muscles in his or her upper body, then this is a sign of steroid intake.
3. Acne breakouts
Anabolic steroids can cause severe acne on the face, arms, shoulders and upper back. If your teenager already has a case of acne, the drug will make existing acne worse.
4. Mood swings
When taking steroids, your teenager may experience extreme personality changes. He or she may be completely happy and pleasant, then suddenly burst into bouts of anger and rage.
5. Red or purple spots on the body
A teenager taking anabolic steroids may suddenly develop red or purple spots all over his or her body. These splotchy spots are commonly found in the upper body.
6. Baldness
Your child may also experience balding while taking steroids. This drug can cause the hairline to recede, especially among men. There may also be a general thinning of hair all throughout the head.
7. Change in color of skin
Your child's skin and eyes may suddenly become a shade of yellow. Your child may have jaundice, which indicates that he or she may have a liver disease.
8. Swelling of face
Another common sign of steroid abuse is a puffy or swollen face. This is caused by water retention.
9. Oiliness
One sign of steroid abuse is excessively oily skin or greasy hair, even shortly after taking a bath.
10. Development of breast tissue
Another common symptom of steroid abuse is gynomastia. Gynomastia is the abnormal development of excessive breast tissue among males.
Teenagers who take anabolic steroids usually do so without supervision. It is essential that you take note of these signs and symptoms in order to prevent drug abuse among your children. If you notice any of your children showing the following signs or symptoms, seek help from a medical professional immediately.
