AP2 Paper
AP2 Paper
AP2 Paper
Jaylin Gentry
Dr.Y. Elhassan
Steroids refer to a class of organic compounds that are naturally present in the body and
also can be artificially produced in laboratories. The history of steroids dates back to the early
19th century when scientists discovered the existence of cholesterol in animal tissues. In the
1930s, researchers began to synthesize a number of steroids, experimenting with them to explore
potential therapeutic uses. Eventually, certain steroids, such as cortisone and prednisone, were
found to be effective at treating inflammation and other medical conditions. During the 1950s
and 1960s, anabolic steroids were developed to enhance muscle growth and athletic
performance. Steroids became popular among athletes and bodybuilders, leading to their abuse
for non-medical purposes. In the 1980s, the use of steroids became a subject of controversy due
to their negative side effects and potential health risks. Today, steroids are still used medically in
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the rate of steroid use among
high school seniors in the United States has declined in recent years. In 2020, 0.9% of 12th
graders reported using steroids at least once in their lifetime. This is down from a peak of 2.2%
in 2002. NIDA also reports that steroid use is highest among male teenagers and young adults,
especially those who are involved in athletics or weightlifting.“The World Anti-Doping Agency
administers the Olympic testing and that of other sports. Anabolic steroids are one of the most
common substances athletes use to cheat the system and gain an unfair advantage”, (NIDA,
2018). Steroid use is also prevalent among people who use other drugs, such as opioids and
cocaine. Some other data points that might be included in a graph related to steroid abuse could
include the number of emergency department visits each year due to complications from steroid
use, the number of deaths related to steroid use, or the prevalence of specific risky behaviors
The discovery of steroids can be attributed to several scientists. In 1820, French chemist
Michel Eugène Chevreul isolated a pure form of cholesterol from gallstones. Later in 1855,
German chemist Adolf Baeyer synthesized cholesterol for the first time. The term "steroids" was
coined by British chemist Callaway in 1914. However, the first systematic study of the biological
effects of steroids was initiated by American physician John Haynes Holmes in 1889. Overall,
the discovery of steroids is the result of contributions made over a long period of time by several
scientists. The effects of using steroids can vary depending on the type of steroid used, the dose,
and the duration of use. When used as prescribed by a healthcare professional to treat certain
medical conditions, steroids can provide benefits such as reducing inflammation, reducing
allergic reactions, and promoting bone growth. However, when steroids are used improperly,
particularly in high doses and over long periods of time, they can cause a range of harmful side
effects like:
1. Acne
It's important to note that using steroids without a prescription from a healthcare provider is
illegal and can be dangerous to your health. Liver damage, impotence, increased aggression,
depression, and even suicide may all be severe consequences of using performance-enhancing
drugs ("Effects of PEDs"). Using these chemicals is risky, immoral, and illegal; there is no place
for it in competitive sports (Smith & Stavros, 2020). The harmful effects of steroids can cause
irreversible damage to the body, and it is important to use them only under the supervision of a
Treatments for steroid use or abuse depends on the type, dose, and duration of steroid use, as
well as the specific side effects experienced.Some possible treatments for common steroid side
effects is weight gain. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage weight gain. A
healthcare professional may also recommend weight loss medication or surgery in some cases. 2.
Acne: Topical or oral medications such as retinoids, antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide can be
used to treat acne. 3. Mood changes: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and supportive psychotherapy
may be helpful for managing mood changes. Medications such as antidepressants or mood
stabilizers may also be prescribed, depending on the severity of symptoms. 4. Increased risk of
prevent infections. It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to address the
side effects of steroid use and to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
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Reference Page
NIDA. (2023, February 9). How are anabolic steroids tested in athletes? National
reports/steroids-other-appearance-performance-enhancing-drugs-apeds/how-are-anabolic-
steroids-tested-in-athletes
Smith, A. C., & Stavros, C. (2020). Exploring the progressive use of performance
enhancing substances by high-performance athletes. Substance Use & Misuse, 55(6), 914-