Effects of Steroids in High School Athletes - How to Avoid It

As a certified personal trainer & gym owner, I am very much concerned about the effects of steroids in our youth, especially high school athletes. I know what the negative effects of taking steroids are, not only physically but mentally and socially as well.
Steroids are the performance-enhancing substances that have caused more losses than wins in the life of High School athletes. "We have a serious steroids problem among our country's youth." Stated California state senator Jackie Speier, a Democrat from the Bay Area
Different reasons were raised why many adolescents use or abuse steroids.
1. To improve their athletic performance. Many athletes saw recourse to use performance enhancer substances because the pressure to win is enormous.
2. To increase their muscle size or to reduce their body fat. This group is suffering from the behavioral syndrome called muscle dysmorphia, people who think they have distorted figure. It is so alarming because according to a study, 9-to-11-year-old females use steroids to enhance their build too.
3. Part of a pattern of high-risk behaviors. Like the thrill that they get from drinking and driving, driving a motorcycle without a helmet, carrying a gun, and abusing other illicit drugs, taking steroids give that adrenaline they can't explain.

How to Determine Steroid Abusers
Individuals who abuse steroids can experience withdrawal symptoms (like many other prohibited drugs) when they stop taking steroids, such as mood swings, restlessness, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, reduced sex drive, and steroid cravings. Depression is the most dangerous of the withdrawal symptoms, because oftentimes it leads to suicide attempts.

What can be done to prevent steroid abuse?
According to the researchers who do the study on steroid educational programs, it has shown that simply teaching students about steroids' undesirable effects does not convince them that they can be adversely affected, nor does such teaching discourage young people from taking steroids in the future. But presenting both the risks and benefits of using anabolic steroid is more effective in convincing them about steroids' negative effects, apparently because the student-athletes find a balanced approach more credible.

Thanks to the effort of some groups and individuals like the New Anti-Steroid Measures that are being implemented in California and they are:
• A written policy that ban steroid use in which must be signed by all student-athletes and their parents/guardian. Violators would be subject to school penalties.
• Mandated training and education in muscle-building dietary supplements and steroids for the state's coaches to help them spot steroid use and warn the players about the health dangers.
• A strict prohibition on school sponsorships from any muscle-building supplements. Encouraging or distributing muscle-building supplements from any school staff members would lead a ban for them. Violators would deal to personnel actions by their schools or districts.
Another thing is about the Adolescent Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids Program (ATLAS). It was designed to reduce the use of anabolic steroids among high school athletes. The program combined weight-training and classroom sessions, to teach students about nutrition, strength training, and risk factors for steroid use.

The Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives (ATHENA) program was modeled after the ATLAS program, but designed for adolescent athlete girls. Early study of girls enrolled in this program showed significant decreases in risky behaviors. ATHENA team members were more likely to wear seatbelts, less likely to ride in a car with a driver who had been drinking, less likely to be sexually active, and they experienced fewer injuries during the sports season.

With these initiatives for stopping the use of steroids in our young athletes, let's make our own efforts, parents and guardians, to monitor closely our youngster and educate them in the caring informative way before it was too late...

Real Andrews is an actor by profession who is very passionate about the health and wellness industry, a Certified Personal Trainer & Gym Owner. He is very passionate about making a difference in the State of health in our Country. Visit his blog for more health-related articles.

Real is an expert at helping people achieve their dreams & Goals. You might recognize him as Lt. Taggert from the ABC Show General Hospital.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Effects-of-Steroids-in-High-School-Athletes---How-to-Avoid-It&id=2397192

Drug Companies Accountable For Damage

The Purdue Pharma $634 million fine incurred for misleading the public, and doctors, about the addictiveness of OxyContin really made the headlines. But the Purdue fine is only the tip of the iceberg; billions of dollars are paid out in settlements every year for prescription drugs' dangerous side effects, not the least of which is prescription drug addiction.

In 2007, Merck agreed to a $4.85 billion settlement for their Vioxx painkiller alone.

Big pharma is the most profitable industry going, but as the lawsuits pile up and cut into those dollars some drug companies are feeling the crunch.

Desperate to hold onto more of their ill-gotten money, drug companies waited with baited breath for the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Diana Levine, a Vermont guitarist who lost the use of her arm to gangrene after using an intravenous push injection injection of Phenergan, an anti-nausea drug made by Wyeth.

Levine said the warning label was inadequate, sued in her home state and was awarded $6.7 million. Wyeth appealed, affirming that they had fulfilled their obligations on a federal level, through the FDA, and were therefore immune to any state charges.

Had the appeal been successful, it would have set a precedent that could prevent any state from hearing a suit against a drug company, assuming their drug or device had FDA approval, and awarding damages.

The Supreme Court, however, upheld the Vermont verdict, much to the dismay of the drug companies.

A Merck spokesman said that state courts that accept suits and award damages are second-guessing the doctors and scientists at the FDA. Wyeth's lawyer made a similar comment.

Judging by the number of deaths and injuries caused by prescription drugs the FDA approves, it's clear that much more second-guessing has, in fact, been needed. The agency is apparently incapable of determining when a drug or device is safe and when it's not, or they've been duped by the drug companies. Or both.

Have you been damaged by prescription drugs? Has someone you care about had to go into an addiction treatment center to get off them? Or worse?

The drug companies may not be on your side, but the law is. Drug companies are responsible for ensuring their drugs are safe. If their products have hurt you, they're accountable. Don't be afraid to acknowledge your problem and stand up for your rights.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Drug-Companies-Accountable-For-Damage&id=2284044

Addiction Cures They Don't Want You to Know About

You may not immediately understand this, but all addictions are the same thing. For instance, alcohol and sugar addiction are the same thing.

Yes, they are the same thing. Sugar is a slower metabolizing sugar than alcohol. Alcohol just hits you immediately. Wheat, milk and protein can also have a narcotic effect similar to opium. Yes, it's hard to quit milk and wheat for many people because they are addicted.

There is a way to get over these addictions however. Regardless of what the addiction is, the process is always the same. The substance hi-jacks some sort of biological process. Nicotine hi-jacks the dopamine metabolism process which allows us to feel good. So when you quit your dopamine levels go to zero which makes it normally impossible to feel good.

The easiest way to reverse any of these addictions is to take back the biological process that has been stolen. You can actually use things called "super foods" in a few hours to do this. This may sound stupid, but some people have actually reported that they have "forgotten to smoke for the past 3 days".

You can use chocolate without chemicals or caffeine added, and has been processed in a way that removes caffeine. It doesn't have milk or sugar in it. It's 100% raw organic cocoa powder and it's very inexpensive online.

Chocolate is one of the only substances that operates on all of the hormonal receptors, and also vanilla, which has far less studies done on it because it is so cheap.

You can try going to entire day simply by taking the 100% pure chocolate and most people can clear their addictions.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Addiction-Cures-They-Dont-Want-You-to-Know-About&id=2185153

Teen Drug Abuse - The Dangers of Cough Medicine Abuse - Robo-Tripping

others may experience hallucinations or even total dissociation from the body. In fact, because DXM's only produce effects when such huge doses are taken, The line is thin between attaining a trance or zoning out and losing consciousness.

Because of the way in which the drug effects one's visual perception and cognitive processes, coupled with the fact that these effects can last for up to six hours, abusers are at risk of causing injury to themselves and others while under the influence. Judgment and impulse control may be affected.

Essentially, large doses of DXM can produce alarming effects such as the inability to move one's arms or legs, or even the inability to talk. In fact, such high doses may also result in slow breathing, cerebral hemorrhages, brain damage, stroke, or even death. Furthermore, if the drug is abused when one is over exerting oneself, such as in nightclubs or raves, or if it's abused in an exceptionally warm environment, the abuser is at risk of hypothermia.

In addition to the serious risks already mentioned above, DXM abuse can also result in nausea, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, head pains, abdominal pain, loss of feeling in fingers and toes, unconsciousness, seizures and death.

There are literally thousands of overdose cases reported by the emergency services across the country and according to the authorities, there seems to be a tendency for DXM overdoses to occur in clusters as word regarding the drug spreads through different schools within a community.

Robo -Tripping Effects One Should Look Out For:

-Drowsiness, or confusion
-Increased heartbeat
-Dizziness or blurred vision
-Hallucinations
-Lack of coordination, or slurred speech
-Numbness in fingers and toes
-Nausea vomiting, or abdominal pain

They say that prevention is better than cure, and this is particularly true when it comes to substance abuse. Whether or not you suspect abuse, all responsible parents should discuss the matter with their kids. Highlighting the dangers of cough medicines and other over the counter drugs at an early stage may well result in you preventing such a scenario from developing. Likewise, if you do have reason to suspect your child is involved, you need to confront them immediately and make your concerns known. Depending on the circumstances, it may also be advisable to involve a counselor or even the family doctor.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Teen-Drug-Abuse---The-Dangers-of-Cough-Medicine-Abuse
---Robo-Tripping&id=2111254

HS Raises Issue Of Prescription Drug Abuse

Lincoln High School officials in Stockton are trying to boost awareness about prescription drug abuse for parents and students after a senior's death.

Josie Julianna Thornton-Senegor, 17, died last month after taking what's believed to be a fatal combination of prescription drugs.

"It was very hard. She was so well liked," principal Debbi Holmerud said.

Lincoln High has held a drug awareness seminar for parents. Stockton police and doctors held a drug awareness seminar Thursday night for parents and students at the school.

Lincoln High is also setting up a 24-hour answering machine to take calls from concerned parents and students about teens who might be doing drugs. And if a student is suspended for substance abuse, they'll be required to take part in a six-week counseling program on campus.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29438172/

Prescription Drug Abuse Reaching "Epidemic" Levels

It's a nationwide problem reaching epidemic levels in Wisconsin -- the abuse of prescription drugs. Investigators call painkillers the new drug of choice -- with deadly results. And who's involved in this problem might come as a surprise to some.

Federal investigators say nearly 7-million Americans abuse prescription drugs. That's more than the total number abusing cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and other drugs -- and the number has increased 80 percent in about six years. In parts of Wisconsin, it's a similar story -- and investigators call it an epidemic.

Susan Sutter is a veteran behind the medicine counter.

"We just celebrated our 25th anniversary."

She runs Marshland Pharmacies. Sutter went to work one Sunday morning, back in November, to do some paper work...when she discovered the front door, shattered.

"... it had been 22 years since we'd had anything like this... "

But Sutter knew immediately where to look...

"Certainly, certainly," she says.

Police determined more than 7-thousand pills were swiped from the shelves... doses of methodone, oxycodone, hydrocodone and others.

"You're looking at your pain meds... and mood altering medications."

Lt. Jo Anne Swyers says the sheriff's department began specialty training for staff after noticing a disturbing trend.

"We recognized that prescription drug diversion cases were really taking on epidemic proportions."

Prescription Drug Arrests
2008 -- 56
2007 -- 35
2006 -- 18
2005 -- 15
2004 -- 2
2003 -- 2

Source: Dodge Co. Sheriff's Office

Take a look at the number of arrests throughout the last five years. Lt. Swyers says the steep increases caused the department to begin a program to target prescription drug diversion -- and its deadly effects.

"In the 20 years I worked for the Dodge County Sheriff's Office, I can remember one street drug overdose, and that was from cocaine."

But the lieutenant says in 2007, the department investigated 10 prescription drug-related deaths. In 2008, nine.

"To me, that is in an epidemic."

In three of last year's cases, Lt. Swyers says people could face criminal charges for supplying the drugs.

"Realistically, if we had ten people who were killed by the same source, the community should be in an uproar about that."

Det. Brian Drumm works directly with doctors and pharmacists to recognize drug-seeking behavior, for instance, people who pay cash for a prescription.

"I would say I get a call a week right now."

But he says the easy access to prescription drugs makes them popular.

"Most every medicine cabinet you open, you will find some kind of pain killer in there."

Investigators say people who normally never would enter an underworld to buy drugs will use prescription meds illegally .. in particular, they noticed a high number of middle-aged white women and teens.

"As young as 14."

Statistics show nearly one in ten high school seniors admits to using painkillers... with 40% thinking they're safer than street drugs.

"Right now, for the first time more teens are reporting trying prescription medications for the first time than are reporting trying marijuana for the 1st time."

And investigators say they're turning largely to family medicine cabinets... or classmates.

"Your sons and daughters could be coming in and out of the house with this medication in their system and there may be no outward indicators that it's happening."

Lt. Swyers says the break-in here is to some extent a reflection of their success in tightening the supply of prescription drugs on the street. As investigators crack down, people resort to other crimes to get their hands on drugs.

"As people are seeking these drugs, it's increasing our property crimes... the burglaries... and thefts and even the assaults."

To tip the scale in favor of prevention... the sheriff's office is coordinating roundups where people drop off drugs for proper disposal.

"And in this container, we gathered 10 and a half pounds of controlled substances that were just sitting around in people's homes waiting for someone to steal them essentially."

Back at Marshland Pharmacy, Sutter says prevention also begins with people -- connecting with customers rather than simply dispensing their pills.

"That's the saddest part of these things is that people can overdose because they don't really understand the strength of the drugs, and they start out intending to use them recreationally and they actually end up killing people."

The sheriff's office plans to hold more community drop offs for drugs, and it's considering a permanent secure drop-off box.

http://www.nbc15.com/news/headlines/38784222.html

St. Albans Police Focus On Rx Drug Abuse

Illicit and prescription drugs continue to plague law enforcement in Franklin County.

St. Albans police and state police said they're working together to crack down on drug use, saying abuse of prescription medication is their No. 1 priority for this year because it fuels other crimes, like burglary.

"A lot of our burglaries, they go to the medicine cabinet and the nightstands first. We know what they're looking for: prescription drugs, money, things that will aide them in their pursuit of their substance abuse, substance issues," St. Albans Police Chief Gary Taylor said.

"It is just beyond me and beyond amazement at how much of a problem it continues to be up here for us," state police Lt. Rob Evans said.

Police said an increasing number of people are driving while under the influence of medication.
http://www.wptz.com/news/18557136/detail.html