Virtually every single demographic with our nation is affected by addiction. One of the most heavily using demographics tends to be teens. There could be a few reasons for this, such as peer pressure, experimentation, or relief from stress. But, there is another group within that demographic that is more prone to using a certain type of substance. The group being spoken of would be teen athletes who may consider using steroids to improve performance in their sport of choice. This is where parents of teen athletes play a vital role, as they should talk to their children about steroid abuse and use. Some may think that their child would never get involved with this type of activity, but they should talk to them anyway as a precautionary measure.
Unfortunately, the problem of teen steroid use and abuse is much larger than most people likely believe. Just as a brief statistic, the Monitoring the Future survey for 2016 had displayed that 1% of 12th graders had used anabolic steroids within the last year. Sure, 1% may sound like a small number, but when taking a wide look at the massive amount of 12th graders out there, this is somewhat significant. Minimally, it is prevalent enough to warrant a discussion with teen athletes.
Types of Injectable Steroids
Types of injectable steroids include:
- Anadrol
- Equipoise
- Dianabol
- Winstrol
The above are not the only types of injectable steroids, but they are some of the prominent ones. There are numerous dangers associated with steroid use and abuse that need to be considered as well. For instance, teens that are using steroids tend to be more likely to be using another drug as well. There is also the factor of age and development. In the teenage years, an individual’s body is undergoing rapid brain and body changes. Using and abusing steroids during this critical time can heavily impact a teen’s development. It can halt bone growth, cause organ damage, and disrupt proper hormone development.
As mentioned above, it is ideal to have a conversation with your teen about these various risks and dangers before they use steroids. Many schools do not necessarily teach teens about the dangers of steroid abuse, which is why parents should take it into their own hands.
If you suspect your teen of steroid use, there are certain signs and symptoms you can look for that may indicate it, such as:
- Weight Surge
- Increased Muscle Mass
- Stretch Marks Around Joints
- Greasy Hair
- Hair Loss
- Oily Skin
- Deep Red or Purplish Acne
- Notable Mood Shifts (Aggression)
- Avoids Eating
- Bad Breath
It is important to remember that a single one of these signs may not immediately indicate steroid abuse, but a combination could be a good indicator of it. You can use a urine test to determine if your child has been using steroids. If you find out that your child is struggling with steroid abuse or addiction, it may be beneficial to locate treatment for them.
Treatment for Steroid Abuse
Many people within our nation are struggling with addictions to various types of substances. Fortunately, there are numerous forms of treatment that can help people to overcome it. There are so many modern treatment modalities that there is one that can fit virtually any individual. With the massive number of treatment centers around the nation, it may be difficult to know which one would be the best choice. That is where New Beginnings comes in, as we are familiar with the various centers and their offerings. One of our staff members can explain all of the options, and help find the best fit in a center for you or your loved one. Decide to take back life from addiction and give us a call today.